Ukraine news LATEST: Putin-backed Wagner mercenaries unleash thermobaric weapons & world reacts to Black Sea grain deal

PUTIN-BACKED Wagner mercenaries have deployed thermobaric weapons during the continued heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. Footage recorded in the Bakhmut area of Donetsk Oblast appears to show the use of thermobaric weapons by Putin-backed Wagner mercenaries as fiery explosions can be seen. It comes as the United Nations secretary-general welcomed an agreement to extend the Black Sea grain deal. Earlier today Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s infrastructure minister, announced the deal had been agreed with an extension of 120 days. The UK’s Foreign Minister, James Cleverly also Tweeted: “Welcome news that the Black Sea Grain Initiative will be renewed until March. Grain will continue to flow from Ukraine to help feed the world.” Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates…