KYIV/MOSCOW, Europe Brief News – Ceasefire talks between the Russian and Ukrainian officials started on the Belarusian border on Monday. Russian officials called for the talks after facing severe economic hits and western threats.
As per reports, Russian forces have successfully captured two small cities in Southeastern Ukraine and the area near Nuclear power plant.
The Ukrainian President’s office said that the only goal of the talks is to demand an immediate ceasefire and Evacuation of Russian forces from the Ukrainian Territories.
The uncertainty is everywhere whether the ceasefire talks will bring any change to the ongoing situation as Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered to have the Nuclear Arsenal on Special alert.
The Ceasefire talks are happening on the border of Belarus which was initially used to stage the invasion. This was one of the reasons why the Ukrainian president was a bit reluctant to join the talks on the Belarusian border.
Vladimir Makei, Belarusian Foreign Minister said “Dear friends. The President of Belarus has asked me to welcome you and facilitate your work as much as possible. As it was agreed with Presidents Zelensky and Putin, you can feel completely secure”.
The Western allies have responded furiously against Russia by Imposing number of tough sanctions and tried to cut off Moscow’s major financial institution from Western Markets.
Weaponization
Jens Stoltenberg, NATO chief said that the US-led NATO defence alliance was providing Ukraine with air-defence missiles and anti-tank weapons.
Moscow accused the European Union for escalating the issue by saying weapon supplies to Ukraine were destabilising and proved that Russia was right in its efforts to demilitarise its neighbour.
Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson said “Throughout Russia, the vast majority of the population has friends and relatives who live in Ukraine. Naturally Everyone’s hearts are aching for what is happening to these relatives”.
Recently Western allies have decided to give a deadly blow to the Russian economy by Cutting 70% of Russia’s banks from the SWIFT international payment system.
In response to that, Russia’s central bank has increased its interest rates from 9.5% to 20%. On top of that Authorities have suggested export-focused firms to get ready for selling foreign currency.
Protests have been held around the world against the Russian invasion on Ukraine. Even in Russia more than 6,000 people participated in a protest who wanted the war to come to an end.
The White House confirmed that American President Joe Biden is planning to host a call with western allies to prepare the united response.
