By Ukraine has listed some demands as the attack on its territory by Russian forces reaches day five with peace talks under way.
A Kyiv delegation arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to take part in talks with representatives of the Russian Federation, on Monday.
In a statement issued ahead of the deliberations, the Ukrainian presidency has demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal, urging Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and leave.
Russian forces, on the orders of President Vladimir Putin, invaded the pro-Western country on Thursday and quickly announced it had neutralised key military facilities, but fierce fighting has since raged.
“Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don’t believe your commanders. Don’t believe your propagandists. Just save your lives,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a new address to Russian forces.
He also claimed that more than 4,500 Russian soldiers had already lost their lives during the Kremlin’s assault, while urging the European Union to grant his country immediate membership.
He said, “We appeal to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure.
“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.”
