Since Russia’s invasion in Ukraine last week, the two countries have yet to meet face to face to negotiate terms. However, this will soon change as it is set that Ukraine’s delegation will be meeting with Russian representatives.
The meeting is set to take place across the border in the neighbouring country of Belarus – a key ally to the Kremlin as they allowed Russian troops to pass through in order to enter Ukraine.
Ukraine to call for “immediate ceasefire” and withdrawal from Russia
The Ukrainina presidency confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation arrived at the border in a statement and revealed what the key issue of the talk will be from their side.
The Ukrainian delegation includes defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov and deputy foreign minister, Mykola Tochytskyi.
“The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to take part in talks with representatives of the Russian Federation,” the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement.
“The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine.”
The meeting is set as Ukraine’s forces still fiercely resist Russia’s attacks – a day after President Vladimir Putin ordered his defence chiefs to have Russia’s nuclear forces on high alert.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, is sceptical about the possibility of his delegation team having a breakthrough.
“As always: I do not really believe in the outcome of this meeting, but let them try,” he said.
In a separate statement, Zelenskyy urged Russian troops to “abandon their equipment and leave the battlefield”. He adds that since more than 4500 Russian soldiers have already lost their lives due to the tragic invasion, this is the only way to save their own lives.