Talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials began at the Belarusian border on Monday (28/2), as Russia faces economic isolation after invading Ukraine in the biggest offensive on a European country since World War II.
On the same day, Russian troops captured two small towns in southeastern Ukraine and the area around the nuclear power plant, the Interfax news agency reported Monday (28/2), as quoted by Reuters. However, it was met with stiff resistance elsewhere in Ukraine.
Explosions were heard before dawn Monday in the capital Kyiv and in the major eastern city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian authorities said. However, attempts by the Russian ground forces to seize major urban centers were thwarted.
Talks began with the goal of an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops, the Ukrainian president's office said. However, Russia has been more cautious about the talks, with the Kremlin refusing to comment on Moscow's goals for the meeting.
It is not clear whether any progress can be made in the talks, after President Vladimir Putin last Thursday launched an offensive and put Russia's nuclear deterrent force on high alert Sunday.
The talks took place on Ukraine's border with Russia's strong ally Belarus, where a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution that scrapped the country's non-nuclear status. Belarus became a launching pad for Russian troops invading Ukraine.
“Dear friends, the President of Belarus has asked me to welcome you and facilitate your work as much as possible,” said Belarusian Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei.
"As agreed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, you can feel completely safe," he said.
