Ukraine ready for talks but not in Belarus: President Zelenskyy
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered Day 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness for peace talks with Moscow. However, he ruled out the possibility of holding the talks in Belarus as Russia has been carrying out some of its attacks on Ukraine from that country. Zelensky said that talks can only happen in countries that are not showing aggression toward his country.
Why does this story matter?
The Ukrainian President's remark came as the situation between the two neighbors continues to worsen. A full-fledged war is now taking place between Russia and Ukraine. Notably, Belarus is an ally of Moscow and was used as a staging ground for its multipronged invasion of Ukraine. Earlier, Russia said its troops have been ordered to resume their offensive "in all directions."
Zelenskyy names alternatives
"Any other city in a country from whose territory missiles do not fly would suit us," Zelenskyy said in a video message. He named Warsaw, Bratislava, Istanbul, Budapest, or Baku as alternative venues for holding talks. "If there had been no aggressive action from your territory, we could talk in Minsk...other cities can be used as the venue for talks," the president said.
Russian delegation waiting in Belarus
Earlier, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that a Russian delegation has arrived in the Belarusian city of Gomel for talks with Ukrainian officials. "The Russian delegation is ready for talks, and we are now waiting for the Ukrainians," Peskov said. The delegation includes officials from the foreign ministry, defense ministry, and presidential administration, he added.
Russia sent 30,000 troops to Belarus before invasion
Significantly, Russia had sent around 30,000 troops to Belarus before the war broke out on Thursday on the pretext of military exercises. They entered Ukraine after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "military operation" against the country.
Russian troops enter Kharkiv
Meanwhile, Russian troops have managed to enter Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv. Russian soldiers and armored vehicles were seen in several parts of the city and firing could be heard, news agency Reuters quoted a witness as saying. The troops also blew up a natural gas pipeline in the city, the Ukrainian President's office informed on Sunday.
Ukraine defends Kyiv
The Ukrainian army is also giving a befitting response to Russia's attack and hasn't yet allowed it to capture the capital Kyiv. Ukraine claimed to have shot down dozens of Russian tanks, fighter jets, and helicopters, adding that over 3,500 Russian soldiers have been killed or injured so far. It also said that about 200 of its citizens have died.
More than 1,50,000 flee Ukraine
Over 1,50,000 people have been forced to flee Ukraine due to the violence, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said. "More than 150,000 Ukrainian refugees have now crossed into neighboring countries, half of them to Poland, and many to Hungary, Moldova, Romania, and beyond," he said in a tweet. "Military situation makes it difficult to estimate numbers and provide aid," Grandi added.
