Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser complained in televised remarks on Thursday, 13 March, that a proposed ceasefire would grant a “temporary break for the Ukrainian military.” Yuri Ushakov's ...

Plus: Australia’s shock trade surplus weakens tariff exception plea; Ukraine agrees to US-backed ceasefire deal; Philippines ex-president Duterte detained on ICC warrant.

NPR's Scott Simon talks to Phillips O'Brien of St. Andrews University about the war in Ukraine, who has the upper hand, and what might that mean as the U.S. pressures Ukraine for a deal.