The first round of Russia-Ukraine talks has ended, both countries confirm. Ukraine wants Russia to immediately withdraw its troops and cease fire.
Russian and Ukrainian officials take part in the talks in the Gomel region, Belarus. February 28, 2022
Talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations have concluded amid Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor, both countries confirmed.
The parties “heard” each other and found areas where they can make progress, said Leonid Slutsky, the head of the Russian parliament’s international affairs committee.
“Every day matters right now,” Slutsky reportedly said, according to a translation of his comments on a Russian-language news channel.
A top adviser to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that more talks could happen soon, the Associated Press reported.
Delegations from Kyiv and Moscow have held the first round of discussions at the Ukraine-Belarus border after days of war. Here are all the latest updates:
- High-level talks between Kyiv and Moscow take place at the Ukraine-Belarus border. Both sides agree to keep the negotiations going.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calls the next 24 hours “crucial” for Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s military claims the pace of Russia’s assault has slowed.
- Civilian death toll now stands at 352 people, including 14 children, Ukraine’s health ministry says.
- Moscow shifts its nuclear forces to a high alert footing.
