*Representatives from Kyiv and Moscow have held the first round of discussions towards restoring relative peace between the two countries at the Ukraine-Belarus border

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Delegations from Kyiv and Moscow have held the first round of discussions towards restoring peace between the two countries at the Ukraine-Belarus border after days of war.

It was gathered that the talks are being held on the border with strong Russian ally Belarus, and both sides have agreed to keep the keep the negotiations going.

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine (l) and Vladimir Putin of Russia

Negotiators from both sides would return to Moscow, in Russia, and Kyiv, in Ukraine, for consultations before the second round of talks.

Kyiv has also said its goal for the ongoing discussions is an immediate ceasefire, and subsequent withdrawal of all Russian forces from Ukraine territories, agency report stated.

High-level talks between Kyiv and Moscow take place at the Ukraine-Belarus border. Both sides agree to keep the negotiations going.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has called the next 24 hours 鈥渃rucial鈥� for Ukraine.

Ukraine鈥檚 military also claimed the pace of Russia鈥檚 assault has slowed.

However, report has indicated that Russian troops attacked the Ukrainians, killing about 11 people even at the time the discussions were still on in Belarus, venue of the negotiations.

Ukraine鈥檚 Health Ministry also disclosed that civilian death toll now stands at 352 people, including 14 children.

Why Ukraine applies to join European Union

As part of the far-reaching developments resulting from the talks, President Zelenskyy has confirmed he signed an application for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU), report stated.

The documents 鈥渁re on the way to Brussels,鈥� Andrii Sybiha, head of Zelenskyy鈥檚 office, said on his official Facebook page.

It is noted that the application was largely symbolic, however, as the process could take years, as the EU membership must be unanimously approved by all members.

Ukraine is said to have been weakened by endemic corruption for many years, making the benchmarks of approval extremely hard to reach.

Kindly Share This Story