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Russia-Ukraine conflict: Day 10

Russia says it has resumed its offensive in Ukraine after a one-day ceasefire on the 10th day of the conflict between the two neighbors. Russia's Defense Ministry says the resumption comes in the light of the Ukrainian side’s unwillingness to influence nationalists or extend the ceasefire. Moscow announced the ceasefire in the besieged port city of Mariupol as well the nearby town of Volnovakha to allow civilians to evacuate. However, Moscow accused Ukrainian nationalists of preventing civilians from leaving and rendering two humanitarian corridors useless. But Ukrainian officials accuse Moscow of violating the truce and shelling Mariupol. Now Russian forces are inching closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, with the Russian president warning against attempts to impose a no-fly zone on Ukraine.

Putin warning

Putin says Western sanctions are akin to a declaration of war. He reiterated that his country aims to defend the Russian-speaking communities in Ukraine through demilitarizing and de-Nazifying the country. Meanwhile, Ukrainian lead negotiator says talks between Moscow and Kiev to seek a way to end the conflict will resume on Monday. The last round of peace talks between the two sides failed to yield any results. According to the UN the conflict that began on February 24 has so far claimed more than 350 civilian lives and injured over 700 people in Ukraine. The UN refugee agency has reported the departure of 1.3 million refugees from Ukraine so far.

Iran-IAEA agreement

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency have issued a joint statement, following a trip by the agency’s director general to Tehran. In line with their resolve for expanding their cooperation, the two sides have agreed on the following. The head of the international Atomic Energy Agency held a press conference shortly after arriving in Vienna from the Iranian capital. Rafael Mariano Grossi said there is no pre-determined outcome in the agency’s investigation of open issues in Iran. Grossi expressed hope that the IAEA will resolve the remaining issues with regard to Iran by June. However, he noted that more time might be needed. Grossi said he expects Iran’s foreign minister to go to Vienna for the conclusion of the talks on reviving the 2015 deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He said that the IAEA process of resolving the remaining issues with Tehran is not likely to be mentioned in a possible agreement between Iran and the P4+1. While in Tehran, Grossi held what he described as fruitful talks with the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.

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