Talks between Russia, Ukraine begin as war enters fifth day
Talks between Ukraine and Russia are underway at the Belarussian border, news agency Reuters quoted Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak as saying. As per the Ukrainian President's office, the talks are aimed at an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces from the country. The development comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered the fifth day on Monday.
Why does this story matter?
All eyes are on this meeting, which is the first between the two countries after Russia launched a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. According to news agency Tass, the Russian delegation is led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide of President Vladimir Putin. Notably, Russia has intensified the attacks in Ukraine and the next 24 hours are said to be critical for the latter.
Where are the talks being held?
The talks are being held at Ukraine's border with Belarus, near the Pripyat River. Earlier, Kremlin had said that a Russian delegation has arrived in the Belarusian city of Gomel for talks with Ukrainian officials. However, Ukraine rejected the offer to hold talks in Belarus as Russia has been carrying out some of its attacks on Ukraine from the country.
Russia's nuclear deterrence forces on high-alert
On Sunday, Putin instructed his defense minister and military chiefs to put the country's nuclear "deterrence forces" on high alert. His orders came in response to the aggressive statements made by NATO members and economic sanctions against Moscow. "Western countries aren't only taking unfriendly actions...in the economic sphere, but top officials from leading NATO members made aggressive statements regarding our country," he said.
What's happening in Ukraine right now?
Reportedly, dozens of people were killed on Monday in rocket strikes by Russian troops in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Ukraine's Interior Ministry has reported 352 civilian deaths so far in the conflict. It said 1,684 people—including 116 children—have been injured. The Russian Defence Ministry on Sunday acknowledged Russian casualties but didn't release any figures. Meanwhile, Ukrainian refugees have been fleeing the country to escape the conflict.
UN to told meetings today
The UN Security Council on Sunday voted to call for an emergency special session in the UN General Assembly on Ukraine for the first time in four decades. Of the 15 member states, 11 voted in favor, Russia voted against, while China, India, and the UAE abstained. Both the 193-nation UNGA and the UNSC will hold separate meetings on Monday.
