Ukraine-Russia talks have wrapped up in Belarus as fighting intensifies throughout the region
Delegations return to bases as fighting intensifies
Both parties have now returned to their capitals for “consultations” with Russia saying communication lines will stay open and more talks will occur “over the next few days”.
What you need to know:
Air raid sirens can be heard in Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv, with reports of a Russian strike on the outskirts of the city.
The UN General Assembly has held its emergency meeting, giving all UN members an opportunity to speak about the war.
Ukraine’s President Zelensky has called for his nation’s immediate EU membership.
Fifa and Uefa have suspended all Russian clubs from all competitions.
More than half a million refugees have now fled from Ukraine as the violence escalates.
International peace at stake
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya warned the world that if his country is lost in this war, international peace and democracy are at stake.
During the rare session, he said Ukraine is paying now the ultimate price for freedom and security of itself and all the world.
“Have no illusions. If Ukraine does not survive, we cannot be surprised if democracy fails next,”
he says.
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General says the idea of a nuclear conflict is ‘simply inconceivable’
Russia is continuing to justify the invasion by calling it a “special military operation” in defence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow says its actions are being “distorted” and the nation is seeking to end this war.
As the UN General Assembly and Security Council both held emergency talks, Ukrainian officials held talks on the border.
It’s day five of the war as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine increasingly runs into fierce resistance.
Few details of the talks have been released, but the meeting reportedly centred around a possible cease-fire.
This comes as Ukraine’s president pushes for European Union membership which is unlikely to be granted.
The UK’s foreign secretary has warned that the war with Ukraine could last for months and even years
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says that the UK would keep sanctions on Russia for however long it takes.
Today she announced further Bank freezes on Russian banks in the coming days to prevent Russian banks from raising debt in UK markets.
The Foreign Office advised against all travel to Russia for Britons – citing a “lack of available flight options to return to the UK and the increased volatility in the Russian economy”.
The Department for Transport has written to all UK ports to ask them not to provide access to any Russian flagged, registered, owned, controlled, chartered or operated vessels.
It’s already done similar things for any type of Russian aviation or plane.
On the threat of nuclear deterrents from Russia – A Kremlins spokesperson was quoted as saying:
“Statements were made by various representatives at various levels on possible altercations or even collisions and clashes between NATO and Russia.”
Liz Truss has responded to that in her statement to the House of Commons.
On the threat of putting Russia’s Nuclear deterrence forces on special status – Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says it’s not a term that the UK recognises in Russia’s military doctrine.
While western governments are taking the words seriously – The Defence Secretary said it’s likely a distraction to remind the world that Putin has a nuclear deter rant, to take away western focus the fact Russian forces are not progressing with the success they had hoped for in Ukraine.
Savannah Pocock contributed to this report
