Ukraine demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal on Monday as a Kyiv delegation arrived for talks with Russian negotiators on the fifth day of the Kremlin’s offensive against the country.
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He also demanded an “immediate” European Union membership for Ukraine.
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Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, sending shockwaves around the world.
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Ukraine forces, backed by Western arms, have managed to slow the advance of the Russian army.
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The Ukrainian military also accused Russia of launching a missile strike on residential buildings in the cities of Zhytomyr and Chernigiv, cities in the country’s northwest and north.
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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.
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“The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine.”
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…urges Russian soldiers to lay down arms
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Zelensky urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and desert as Ukrainian and Russian delegations were set to hold talks on Moscow’s invasion.
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“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.
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…demands ‘immediate’ EU membership for Ukraine
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Zelensky urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership, as Russia’s assault against the pro-Western country went into its fifth day.
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“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.
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“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.”
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