Ukraine on Monday demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal as well as immediate membership of the European Union as its delegation arrived Belarus for talks with Russian negotiators.
Russia had invaded Ukraine on Thursday, after recognizing the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine.
In a statement ahead of the peace talk on Monday, the Ukrainian presidency said, “The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to take part in talks with representatives of the Russian Federation.
“The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine.”
The Ukrainian leader urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and desert as Ukrainian and Russian delegations were set to hold talks on Moscow’s invasion.
“Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don’t believe your commanders. Don’t believe your propagandists. Just save your lives,” Zelensky said in a new address to Russia’s forces, claiming that more than 4,500 Russian soldiers had already lost their lives during the Kremlin’s assault
The president also urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership, as Russia’s assault against the pro-Western country went into its fifth day.
“We appeal to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure,” the 44-year-old leader said in a new video address.
“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.”
