Ukraine and Russia negotiations show progress says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He acknowledged that the talks between the two nations are becoming “more realistic”. This sentiment has also been echoed by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He suggested that “a certain hope for reaching a compromise,” has been achieved.
On the ground, Kyiv continues to face challenges as the Russians press closer towards the capital. In the southern city of Mariupol, a theater with hundreds of people seeking shelter has been bombed. Hundreds of thousands of people are also surrounded by Russian forces in the Ukrainian coastal cities.
Head of the Russian negotiating delegation, Vladimir Medinsky said that the talks were “difficult” and “slow”. He also said that his objectives in negotiations with Ukraine have not changed. Moscow wants a “peaceful, free, independent and neutral” Ukraine. He also added that joining a military bloc like NATO was not an option. Putin sees Ukraine joining as NATO expansion and an existential threat to Russia.
This week, however, President Zelensky has expressed his opinion that joining NATO is not on the cards. They would rather welcome joining the EU rather than seek membership with NATO.
In a video call with the US congress, Zelensky repeated his calls for a no-fly zone in Ukraine.
“In the darkest time for our country, for the whole Europe, I call on you to do more,” Zelensky said. “New packages of sanctions are needed, constantly, every week until the Russian military machine stops. Restrictions are needed for everyone on whom this unjust regime is based.”
The White House does not support instituting a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They also are not keen on supplying the Ukrainian Air Force with new fighter aircraft. “I think he is a war criminal,” Biden said to reporters on Wednesday.