Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Zelensky meet via video for first time since Russian invasionIt’s a plan.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Xi is expected to visit Moscow next week and talks with Zelensky will probably come later. China and Russia have yet to formally confirm Mr Xi’s visit to Russia, but the two sides have said they have been coordinating Mr Xi’s visit over the past few weeks. China wants to play a mediating role in ending the war.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces gather in Norway for joint exercises. Not only NATO, but also Russia and China are aiming to strengthen their control over the Arctic.
Arming the Arctic
Russia is remilitarizing the Arctic to protect its economic interests
Sources: The International Institute for Strategic Studies; Arctic Portal
Recent developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine are as follows.
Russia open to extend grain export deal for 60 days only
Russia’s state-run news agency TASS reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Bershinin said Russia would not oppose an extension of the Black Sea grain export agreement, but would only allow a 60-day extension. TASS, citing a Russian official, said talks with the United Nations in Geneva had not been easy.
The Black Sea Grains Initiative expires on March 18, but can be extended for another 120 days without opposition from the parties. UN Secretary-General Guterres has stressed the importance of sustaining the initiative.
Russian arms exports plummet: SIPRI report
Arms exports, Russia’s main export, have fallen in five years, including the war years, and are likely to fall further, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). .
“Russia’s arms export capabilities will likely be further constrained by its invasion of Ukraine, which will likely prioritize the production of weapons for its own armed forces over those for export,” SIPRI said. “Multilateral sanctions against Russia, including a wide range of trade sanctions, as well as pressure by the United States and its allies not to purchase Russian arms, will undermine Russia’s arms export efforts,” it said.
According to SIPRI, Russian arms exports fell 31% in 2018-22 compared to the previous five years. The order backlog is also declining, and arms exports are likely to continue to decline, SIPRI said.
Original title:Ukraine Latest: China’s Xi Plans Call With Zelenskiy; Grain Deal
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