The main events by the morning: March 17

• The European Union does not impose sanctions against Russian LNG, waiting for an agreement with the United States on the supply of American gas. This slows down further energy sanctions and plans to phase out Russian fuel. The EU also will not publish a roadmap for reducing dependence on Russian energy resources. If negotiations with the United States fail, it will complicate the situation for Brussels. The United States holds 46% of the LNG market in Europe, while Russia holds 16%.

• Trump plans to hold talks with Putin on Tuesday, noting significant progress in the work carried out over the weekend to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. The US president believes that there is a «very good chance» to end the conflict. 

• The European Union has become the main obstacle to achieving peace in Ukraine. This was stated by the Permanent mission of Russia to the OSCE. The fact is that against the background of establishing contacts between the United States and Russia, EU countries, on the contrary, are looking for opportunities for militarization. 

• Russia and the United States are discussing access to the Black Sea in the context of resolving the conflict in Ukraine. This was stated by Trump's special representative Witkoff. In particular, we are talking about access to the ports of the Black Sea and ownership of the Zaporizhia NPP.

• China will reconsider its ambitions in the Arctic, including plans to become a «great polar power» by 2030, due to possible cooperation between Russia and the United States. The concept of the «Polar Silk Road», presented in 2018, caused a negative reaction from the Arctic countries. As a result, China has focused on «scientific diplomacy» and lowered its previous ambitions. Negotiations are also underway between Russia and the United States on the joint development of natural resources in the region.