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Russia's Belarus talks plan is 'propaganda', Ukraine official says

By Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses Ukrainians in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 26, 2022 in this screengrab obtained from a social media video. Photo: Instagram/@zelenskiy_official/via Reuters

Feb 27

Ukraine wants only 'real' negotiations with Russia over its military offensive, without ultimatums, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Reuters on Sunday, calling Moscow's decision to send a delegation to Belarus for talks 'propaganda'.

Earlier the Kremlin said a Russian delegation had arrived in Gomel in neighbouring Belarus and was waiting for the Ukrainians. Read full story

Zelenskiy rejected talks in Belarus, accusing it of allowing Russian troops through its territory to invade. However, he left the door open for negotiations elsewhere.

'They arrived in Gomel knowing that it was pointless. And now they say - 'we are waiting,'' adviser Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters.

'Zelenskiy's position remains unchanged: only real negotiations, no ultimatums.'