Russia-Ukraine Talks Resume After Positive Weekend Developments - May See Results in Days

LOCAL NEWS

• Russia-Ukraine peace talks set to resume today via video conference, as confirmed by Kremlin’s Peskov & Podolyak overnight. This follows a thawing in tensions over the weekend as Russia & Ukraine gave their brightest assessments of the conflict to date – saying there may be “results in literally a matter of days.”
  • Russian delegate Slutsky also said substantial progress had been made, with documents likely to be produced in the coming days – although the scope of any agreement is still in question.
  • Ukrainian advisor also said Kyiv was making efforts for a Zelensky-Putin meeting as soon as possible once a destination has been agreed and details of the meeting have been discussed then the presidents can create the final provisions of a peace treaty – IFX, RTRS, Tass
• Reports says Russia called for Chinese financial & military aid to fight Ukraine. China’s embassy said it cannot confirm these reports, saying it supports all efforts towards a peaceful settlement -although the current situation is very concerning. US’ Sullivan said China would “absolutely” face consequences if it helps Moscow evade Western Sanctions.
  • “We will not allow there to be a lifeline to Russia.” Sullivan is due to meet China’s Yang Jeichi in Rome today - RTRS
• Poland’s deputy FM says Russia’s attack on a NATO training facility a mere 15 miles from the Polish border is highly provocative. He also called for more NATO equipment to show Russia that NATO is ready to defend its territory.
  • The strike hit the international centre for peacekeeping & security, but the US said this was not sufficient to enforce a no-fly zone. Zelensky warned it was only a matter of time before missiles hit NATO territory, while Sullivan said NATO would respond with “full force” to such and act – RTRS, Sky
• Protests erupt in Kherson against Russian occupation as rumours emerged on Saturday that a referendum could be held in the city to form another potential breakaway republic. Local politicians expressed anger over this and Zelenesky accused Russia of blackmail & bribery in forming another “pseudo republic” - Sky
• CBR says MOEX will remain closed for third consecutive week from 14-18 March. Says there will only be trading in the Repurchase: direct bids regime with settlement in RUB and standard derivative contracts section. - IFX