Delegations from Kiev and Russia to meet at Belarus border for peacetalks

Source: Daily Mail

Volodymyr Zelensky today confirmed negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow would be held at the border with Belarus - as Vladimir Putin ordered the forces operating Russia's nuclear deterrent to be on alert amid simmering tensions with the West.

The Ukrainian President's office said the two delegations will meet 'without preconditions' near the Pripyat River, in a deal struck during a phone call with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

'Alexander Lukashenko has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarusian territory remain on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation's travel, talks and return,' the statement said.

It came as Putin said he had ordered troops operating the nuclear deterrent onto a 'special regime of duty' in light of 'aggressive statements' from NATO leaders and 'unfriendly economic actions'.

Meanwhile, Ukraine filed a lawsuit against Russia at the Hague, with Mr Zelensky requesting that the UN International Court of Justice orders Russia to stop its attack against Ukraine and starts trials soon.