Ukraine’s delegation has arrived at border for talks with Russia: Presidency

A Ukrainian delegation has arrived at the border with Belarus for talks on Monday with Russian representatives that will focus on achieving an immediate ceasefire, the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement.

The delegation includes Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak among others, it said.

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“The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine,” it added.

Earlier on Monday, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said Russia is interested in coming to an agreement that is in the interests of both sides at talks with Ukraine.

The talks come after a phone call between Zelenskyy and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Zelenskyy has said he is skeptical about the possibility of a breakthrough.

“As always: I do not really believe in the outcome of this meeting, but let them try,” he said.

Kyiv was initially reluctant to send a delegation to Belarus, given the country’s role as facilitator in Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

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