Voters Head to the Polls in Local Elections; Ukraine Appeals for Truce in Mariupol

Voters head to the polls to have their say in the local elections. They cover many seats in England, and all seats in London, Scotland, and Wales. Assembly elections are also taking place in Northern Ireland. The British and Japanese prime ministers have agreed on a defence deal to bolster military cooperation between the two countries, with a view to have Europe and east Asia unified against “autocratic, coercive powers.” Ukraine appeals for a ceasefire to evacuate the civilians in the bunkers under the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol. Russia promises to stop fighting during the day until Saturday. Both Sweden and Finland are mulling over joining NATO. But the Nordic countries are concerned Russia might retaliate during the transition period after applying.