Igor Zhovkva is the deputy head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and also his chief diplomatic adviser. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Zhovkva underlined Zelensky's willingness to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war in Ukraine, but stressed that Russia had until now rejected such an offer. Zhovkva also said that Ukraine wants "guarantees" from the United States and major European powers regarding its future security.

Igor Zhovkva is the deputy head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and also his chief diplomatic adviser. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Zhovkva underlined Zelensky's willingness to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war in Ukraine, but stressed that Russia had until now rejected such an offer. Zhovkva also said that Ukraine wants "guarantees" from the United States and major European powers regarding its future security.

Who are the people keeping Vladimir Putin in power? Much is made of the oligarchs and their billions of dollars. Their support has been vital to keeping Putin financed. But how is his influence protected? This is now down to his Saint Petersburg friends: a collection of "hard men" who are in positions of power that they own to Putin. If the Russian leader were to be deposed – or even more unlikely – democratically voted out of power, these strongmen would do everything possible to stop that. Our guests discuss how democracy, freedom and the truth are quashed in Russia today.

The war in Ukraine continues to rage while Ukrainian and Russian negotiators talk. Experts say that for now neither side is ready for a breakthrough and fear that the war will last a very long time.

Igor Zhovkva is the deputy head of the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and also his chief diplomatic adviser. In an interview with FRANCE 24, Zhovkva underlined Zelensky's willingness to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to end the war in Ukraine, but stressed that Russia had until now rejected such an offer. Zhovkva also said that Ukraine wants "guarantees" from the United States and major European powers regarding its future security.

The Ukrainian president said direct cease-fire talks with Russian President Putin are urgently needed. Zelenskyy added that any agreements with Russia would be subject to a public referendum. Follow DW for the latest.

Alexei Navalny and his supporters have decried the charges as politically motivated. He faces a 13-year prison sentence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said his country would start selling gas to certain nations in Russia's own currency, prompting a rise in the ruble's value on the Moscow Stock Exchange.

One month after the shock of Russia invading Ukraine, how is Vladimir Putin's war going? Territorial gains, no question near-total control of the skie but no blitzkrieg grab of Kyiv, no fatal blow to Ukraine's defences. Instead, Ukraine proving its resilience with coups like the claimed destruction of a Russian landing support ship in the Russian-occupied port of Berdiansk, which is strategically located to the west of the besieged city of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov.

One month after the shock of Russia invading Ukraine, how is Vladimir Putin's war going? There have been territorial gains and near-total control of the skies but no blitzkrieg grab of Kyiv and no fatal blow to Ukraine's defences. Instead, Ukraine is proving its resilience with coups like the claimed destruction of a Russian landing support ship in the Russian-occupied port of Berdiansk, which is strategically located to the west of the besieged city of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov.

US President Joe Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power" after the invasion of Ukraine. He also warned Russian forces against moving onto "one single inch" of NATO territory.

One month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, FRANCE 24 speaks to Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger, as his country takes in tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees and prepares to host a NATO battlegroup for the first time.