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Zelensky says he is willing to 'try' Russia talks, but sceptical

Philippines

Zelensky says he is willing to 'try' Russia talks, but sceptical

By Agence France-Presse

KIEV, Ukraine- -Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday he was willing to "try" talks with Russia but was sceptical, as Kyiv and Moscow prepare to meet at Ukraine's border with Belarus on the fourth day of Russia's invasion.

This handout video grab taken and released by the Ukraine Presidency press service on February 27, 2022 shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivering an address in Kyiv. UKRAINE PRESIDENCY / AFP

"I will be honest, as always: I do not really believe in the outcome of this meeting, but let them try," Zelensky said in a video address. He added that if there was a "chance" to end war, he should take part in the talks.

Zelensky issued the video after speaking with Belarus leader and Moscow ally Alexander Lukashenko.

Russian troops have attacked Ukraine from many directions, including from Belarusian territory, after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion in the early hours of Thursday.

Kyiv has refused to hold talks in Belarus -- where Moscow wants to meet -- saying the country was acting as a launchpad for the invasion.

Earlier, Zelensky's office said Ukraine was willing to meet Russia at its border with Belarus near the Pripyat River.

Belarusian state television has said the Ukrainian and Russian officials will meet at the Aleksandrovka and Vilcha border checkpoints.

Putin has said that a Russian delegation was currently in the Belarusian city of Gomel.

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