A peace agreement could emerge in relation to the ongoing war in Ukraine within 'a matter of days', according to senior figures involved in negotiations.
Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak posted a video online following talks with his Russian counterpart in which he said:
"We will not concede in principle on any positions. Russia now understands this. Russia is already beginning to talk constructively. I think that we will achieve some results literally in a matter of days."
Adding:
"Our demands are - the end of the war and the withdrawal of (Russian) troops. I see the understanding and there is a dialogue."
While Russian negotiator Leonid Slutsky also said the talks had made 'substantial progress, telling journalists:
"According to my personal expectations, this progress may grow in the coming days into a joint position of both delegations, into documents for signing."
This was backed up by President Putin himself who noted 'positive shifts' in negotiations.
The positive signs coming from the talks is in stark contrast to the pessimistic feedback from earlier meetings.
It is as of yet unclear whether Ukraine will give in to any key demand made by the Russians, which likely includes handing over of Crimea to Russian control, recognising the independence of Luhansk and Donetsk, known collectively as 'the Donbass', or Ukraine accepting neutral status and agreeing to not join NATO.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, thousands have died on both sides in what is the bloodiest war in Europe since the end of the Second World War, millions have also fled the country to neighbouring Poland, Hungary and Romania. At present, many of Ukraine's largest cities, including the capital Kyiv, are under siege from the Russian invaders and there is a strong fear that the violence and bloodshed will become much worse if Russian forces attempt to enter these cities and take them by force.
[Based on reporting by: MSN]
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