First round of peace talks for Russia, Ukraine ends, to hold second round after consultations

Ceasefire talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials have finally concluded on Monday along the Belarusian border. Representatives from both nations will return to their respective capitals for further consultations before the second round of talks, as reports quoted Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak as saying.

According to several reports citing Russia’s delegation Vladimir Medinsky, the next round of the negotiations will be held on the Polish-Belarusian border,

Meanwhile, Medinsky was quoted as saying, “We agreed to keep the negotiations going.”

The talks began earlier in the day time at the border town of Gomel between the delegations of the two nations even as the heavy firing continued in cities and suburbs of Ukraine. This was the fifth day of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine that has triggered unprecedented sanctions against Russia from the West side massive global condemnation.

The talks came to a final end around the same time when it was reported that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had officially signed an official request for his nation’s membership to the European Union.

At the same time, Zelenskyy had asked the European Union to allow Ukraine to gain membership immediately under a special procedure as it defends itself from invasion by Russian forces.

It was during the last week when it was said by Russia that ‘they are ready if Ukraine lay down arms.’ It was the first discussion held between the nations since the Kremlin has called for its offensive against Ukraine last week, triggering fierce fighting and fears over the use of nuclear weapons.