Putin ceasefire 'farce'

RUSSIA and Ukraine have both reported attacks on their forces on the first day of a 72-hour ceasefire called by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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It came as Ukraine's parliament unanimously approved a landmark minerals deal with the US.

The ratification is a key step in setting the deal in motion. It would allow Washington access to Ukraine's largely untapped minerals, deepen strategic ties and create a joint investment fund with the US for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Parliament approved the agreement with 338 members voting in favour, Ukrainian politician Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on his Telegram account. No politician voted against it or abstained.