Luhansk Governor Warns of Full-Scale Assault on Separatist Republics 'In a Few Days'

LOCAL NEWS

• Luhansk Governor warns tat Russia will likely launch a full-scale offensive in the separatist republics ‘in a few days’ with the extent of the destruction being worse than what was seen in Mariupol, Bucha & Irpin.
  • He noted that 70% of Luhansk is controlled by Russia. With the conflict entering its 6th week, experts say Putin is likely to focus his ambitions on gaining control of the republics before boosting negotiations – Sky, RTRS
• Today the UN Security council will vote on suspending Russia from the UN Human Rights council, and EU diplomats continue the debate on Russian sanctions and the oil embargo which failed to reach consensus yesterday.
  • Zeleneksy slammed the EU for capitulating on an oil embargo, saying that it is costing Ukrainian lives. Yellen said the issue here is that many EU states remain highly dependent on Russian exports – RTRS, bbg
• Russian government now views investors from unfriendly countries declaring that it has defaulted on its FX-denominated debt as the base scenario. Follows the announcement yesterday from US banks that the $650m bond repayment had been declined, and that RUB repayments still constitute a technical default - bbg
• US says Russian forces have completed their withdrawal from Kyiv, but are being refitted and Resupplied in Belarus to return to Ukraine shortly. A week-long curfew has been implemented in Hostomel to ensure the city is secure to allow the safe return of civilians. – Sky

Data/Events:

• 1000BST: Mishustin presents Govt’s annual report to the State Duma
• 1400BST: Gold & FX Reserves April 1, $604.4bn prior