This blog is now closed, thanks for joining us. These were the updates on the Russia-Ukraine war on Sunday, March 19.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a surprise visit to the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, which was captured by Moscow in May.
- The Ukrainian army says its forces are keeping Russian units at bay in the contested city of Bakhmut so ammunition, food, equipment and medicines can be delivered to defenders.
- Putin will discuss the Ukraine conflict with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping during Xi’s state visit to Moscow next week, according to Russian state media.
- Russia has extended by 60 days a Black Sea grain deal which allows Kyiv to export its products overseas.