Russia, Ukraine talks fail, as U.S. makes big promises

Talks between Russia and Ukraine’s top diplomats made no progress towards a ceasefire as the bloody war continues

Ukraine’s foreign minister told reporters he was seeking a 24-hour ceasefire agreement across the whole combat zone and the opening of a Mariupol humanitarian corridor.

This proposed corridor follows Russia’s deadly attack on a children’s maternity hospital on Wednesday. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told his Ukrainian counterpart he could not commit to either request.

Lavrov says all Russia wants to see is a friendly, demilitarised Ukraine, as Kyiv continues to push for diplomacy.

The meeting between the two officials represents the first lot of high-level talks between Russia and Ukraine since Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of the neighbouring nation.

US Vice President’s promise

US Vice President Kamala Harris, currently in Poland, has sought to strengthen ties between her nation and fellow NATO member.

The Vice President’s visit comes after the Biden administration rejected Poland’s offer of delivering fighter jets to Ukraine.

During a joint media conference, Harris condemned the unprovoked attack on the Mariupol hospital, noting the world has been witnessing “unimaginable atrocities.” She went on to state that the United States is prepared to defend every inch of NATO territory.