Zelensky Reiterates Calls to Establish Ceasefire, Showing Willingness to Drop NATO Goals

LOCAL NEWS

• Zelensky reiterates calls for a meeting with Putin, saying he is prepared to discuss a commitment from Ukraine not to join NATO membership in exchange for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian troops and a guarantee of Ukraine’s security. Says Kyiv will discuss the status of Crimea and separatist republics once a ceasefire and steps towards security guarantees have been established.
  • Zelensky said, “it’s a compromise for everyone: for the West which doesn’t know what to do with us RE NATO, for Ukraine which wants security guarantees & Russia Which doesn’t want further NATO expansion.” – Sky, RTRS, Tass
• Zelensky also said that any compromises with Russia will need to be put to a referendum in Ukraine. This could relate to current Russian occupied territories and security guarantees offered to Ukraine – Sky
• US think tank says that Russia failed to make any major advances on Monday, but continued to shell Kyiv and Mariupol as it looks to maintain pressure on Ukrainian officials and civilians.
  • Ukrainian Military said that although Russia had seized a land corridor to the Sea of Azov & Crimea, Russia had lost offensive potential and is being forced to call for more troops from Russia. US officials say Russia has lost around 40% of its military aircraft capability, and signs show they are wary of losing more. – RTRS, bbg
• Russia’s $66m coupon payment on a bond maturing 2029 was processed by JPM in the US yesterday, averting a technical default for a second time. Russia has 15 international bonds outstanding ($40bn), with the next $102m payment due on 28 March, followed by $447m on 31 March (largest of 2022) and principal repayment of $2bn due on 4 April. – RTRS, bbg