Russia’s foreign ministry on Monday said talks between Ukraine and Russia had begun, shortly after the Ukrainian side had said the same, and published photos of the delegations sitting opposite each other at a long table.
Ukraine has said its goal for the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. Russia has been cagier, with the Kremlin declining to comment on Moscow’s aim in negotiations.
The Belarusian state news agency Belta reported the development.
“Russia and Ukraine are holding the first talks,” Belta said. Ahead of the talks, the Ukrainian presidency had demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal.
It comes as Monday morning brought havoc to Russian markets, with the ruble plummeting to a historic low and the opening of stock market trading delayed until the late afternoon.
Late on Sunday president Volodymyr Zelensky said that the next 24 hours would be a “crucial period” for Ukraine, as he spoke on a call with Boris Johnson. Mr Johnson pledged more military aid to the embattled nation.
Details shortly……….