Washington gives deadline for Russia-Ukraine deal to end fighting

The US gave Ukraine and Russia a June deadline to reach a deal to end the war between the two countries, according to Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy said the US proposed holding the next round of trilateral talks next week, likely in Miami, and that Ukraine has confirmed its participation.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian businesses struggle to keep working through the power outages caused by Russia's bombing campaign on Ukraine's energy grid.

The cost of purchasing and operating generators to overcome power outages is just one of many challenges facing Ukrainian businesses after nearly 4 years of war.

Acute labour shortages due to mobiliation and war-related immigration, security risks, declining purchasing power and complicated logistics add to the pressure, according to Ukrainian officials.

While businesses were prepared for electricity cuts, no one expected such a cold winter and its been especially tough for small cafes and family -run establishments, because they have the least financial resources.