Kiev: Three rounds of talks in Belarus have been followed by video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators.
A senior aide to Ukraineās President said that Russia has softened its stance in the talks over a possible settlement.
Ihor Zhovkva, a deputy chief of staff to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said that the talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have become more constructive and Russia has changed tone and stopped airing demands for Ukraine to surrender – something Russia had insisted upon during earlier stages of talks. Three rounds of talks in Belarus have been followed by video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators.
Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Russia on Wednesday to stop the military actions it started in Ukraine on Feb. 24.
The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 in the territory of Ukraine, the judges said.
The judges added Russia must also ensure that other forces under its control or supported by Moscow should not continue the military operation.
US Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russian troops shot and killed 10 people standing in line for bread in the Ukranian city of Chernihiv. “Such horrific attacks must stop. We are considering all available options to ensure accountability for any atrocity crimes in Ukraine,” the Embassy added.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office, Ukraine’s neutrality could only be on its own terms. Zelenskyy’s advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said that Ukraine could agree only to legally certified security guarantees, adding that in a new agreement, signatory states must be legally bound to defend Ukraine, reported the media outlet. Moreover, Russia shelled Vinnytsia city in west-central Ukraine that hit a TV tower.
According to Vinnytsia Oblast Governor Serhiy Borzov, a Russian attack damaged the tower, leaving some residents without a TV signal. No casualties are reported, said the Ukraine-based media outlet.