World News: Russia and Ukraine agree to suspend strikes on energy facilities and ensure safe navigation in Black Sea

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

Starting with updates on Ukraine and Russia. Although there was no joint statement following the extended talks between the U.S. and Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Monday, the two agreed on a few key points, including reducing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea and banning strikes on energy facilities.

The proposed agreement, announced on Tuesday, focuses on the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the militarization of commercial vessels in the region.

However, the Kremlin has stipulated that its commitment to the ceasefire is contingent upon the lifting of specific Western sanctions affecting its food and fertilizer exports.

Russia and the United States have agreed to implement measures to stop attacks on Russian and Ukrainian energy facilities for 30 days.

Despite extensive negotiations and expectations no joint statement has been issued.

Israel's parliament has approved the 2025 state budget a move that solidifies Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government. The passage of the budget has led to heated protests.

On Tuesday, the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, passed the state budget for 2025 with a vote of 66 to 52.

This narrowly met the March 31 deadline, avoiding potential snap elections.

However, the budget's passage was met with public dissent.

Families of hostages held in Gaza protested outside the parliamentary chamber, displaying photos and signs referencing the hostages captured during a Hamas attack in October 2023.

Meanwhile, the Israeli finance minister referred to the budget as a "budget of war," emphasizing its focus on national security amid resumed military actions against Hamas in Gaza.

Brazil's Supreme Court concluded the first day of proceedings on Tuesday, to determine whether former President Jair Bolsonaro, and several associates will stand trial on charges including attempting to stage a coup.

The session ended without a decision, and deliberations are set to continue.

Bolsonaro has been accused of orchestrating a plan to remain in power after his defeat in the 2022 election.

Allegations against the former leader include plotting to poison his successor President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and assassinate a Supreme Court Justice.

Bolsonaro denies the charges, claiming political persecution.

Finally, in the UK five neglected lions rescued from war-torn Ukraine have found a new home at the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent.

The group includes a male African lion named Rori and lionesses Amani, Lira, Vanda, and Yuna.

Their rescue journey was facilitated by the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine.

After being temporarily cared for in Belgium, the lions arrived at The Lion Rescue Center,

a sanctuary established through a fundraising campaign and officially opened on Tuesday.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.