Russia is No more calls to ‘denazify’ Ukraine If Kyiv remains militarily non-aligned in ongoing ceasefire talks and is ready to allow Kyiv to join the European Union, according to four people briefed on the discussions.

Moscow and Kyiv are discussing a suspension of hostilities as part of a possible deal that would involve Ukraine abandoning efforts to join NATO in exchange for security guarantees and the prospect of joining the European Union, the people said on condition of anonymity. Not yet finalized.

The draft ceasefire document did not discuss three of Russia’s original core demands — “denazification,” “demilitarization,” and legal protection of the Russian language in Ukraine, the people added. Special envoys from both sides will hold a fourth round of peace talks in Istanbul on Tuesday aimed at ending President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian concessions come as its month-long ground offensive has largely stalled due to stronger-than-expected Ukrainian resistance and Russian operational deficiencies. But Ukraine and its Western backers remain skeptical of Putin’s intentions, fearing the Russian president could use the talks as a smokescreen to replenish his exhausted troops and plan a new offensive.

In other developments:

Are you personally affected by the war in Ukraine?We would like to hear from you. Tell us with a short survey. Thank you for reading FirstFT Asia. Here’s the rest of the news today – Emily.

Five more stories in the news

1. The United States and Australia strengthen security cooperation to counter China The two countries will strengthen Cooperation in space and cyberspace China is investing heavily in weapons such as space and hypersonic missiles as its Indo-Pacific allies intensify their efforts to counter China.

2. Yen hits 7-year low after Bank of Japan sticks to stimulus yesterday’s yen Against the dollar fell more than 2% As the Bank of Japan bucked the trend and tightened monetary policy, it reached 125 yen. The decision sparked speculation that the central bank could intervene to prop up the currency for the first time since 1998.

3. Trump ‘more likely’ to commit a crime on Jan. 6, judge says Judge David Carter of California wrote that former President Donald Trump and attorney John Eastman “launched a overthrow democratic electionswhich is unprecedented in American history” for their “corrupt” attempt to obstruct Congress on January 6.

4. Middle East ministers hold talks in Israel on ‘common enemy’ Foreign ministers from the Middle East gathered in the Negev desert, First meeting of its kind on Israeli soilas they attempt to coordinate responses to regional security threats, including Iran.

5. Will Smith undergoes ‘formal review’ by the Academy Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launches ‘formal review’ after actor Will Smith hit Comedian Chris Rock takes the stage at the Oscars. Rock once made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who shaved her head and has spoken out about her hair loss.

coronavirus digest

• Shanghai Authorities divide China’s largest cities divided into two areasas it locked down an area in the fight to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

• British face one Their income suffers ‘historic shock’ Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey has warned that a surge in energy prices has been triggered by a surge in energy prices this year.

register here For Disrupted Times (formerly Road to Recovery), this is a key FT newsletter on business and economic changes between Covid and conflict.

the day ahead

Joe Biden receives Singapore PM The US president will welcome Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the White House on Tuesday.The pair will Discuss The war in Ukraine and the plan to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. (Reuters)

Unemployment data in Japan Unemployment data for February will reveal the country’s recovery from Covid-19.

result expected profit From Bank of China, Bellway, Boku and Ten Entertainment.

What are we still reading and listening to

Sino-US Technology Competition inside first episode of new series In our Tech Tonic podcast, James Kynge, Global China Editor for the Financial Times, tracks China’s dramatic transformation from the world’s manufacturing facility to the next global superpower.

women starting Are you just starting your career or looking to change jobs?This special report Full of tips for new hires.It also includes advice for women Start your own business and guide Reverse Mentoring Program.

War with Russia?Finland has a plan The Nordic country’s strategy, which it calls “total security,” provides an example of how countries can create rigorous whole-of-society systems to protect yourself in advance – Not only to plan for potential intrusions, but also to prepare for natural disasters, cyberattacks or pandemics.

Secret school keeps Afghan girls on track The teacher who breaks the rules is against the Taliban Courses are offered for women and girls. Volunteers from three network of schools, including 18 teachers and more than 200 students aged 10 to 18, are involved in programs serving many poor or disadvantaged communities.

Black Americans cheer as Jackson approaches Supreme Court About 115 judges have served on the country’s Supreme Court since its establishment in 1789. Only five of the judges were women, and none of them identified as black. Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson will also allow the court Closest to gender equalitythere are five men and four women.

books

Journalist turned author Adam LeBeau rounded up best new thriller. From spies, secrets and Stasi “Romeo” in Cold War Berlin to the dangerous shipment of diamonds in Basel.