Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine may be willing to offer up neutrality and make concessions over disputed territories in order to end the brutal war that was started by a Russian invasion 5 weeks ago.
In the interview, which was given to independent Russian news outlets, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine could promise to stay out of NATO and that discussion could continue over the Luhansk and Donetsk regions in the East of Ukraine. Russia recognised as independent the two states 3 days prior to the invasion. These two regions are known collectively as 'the Donbass' and contain a proportion of the population who see themselves as more Russian than Ukrainian.
Russia immediately moved to ban the Zelenskyy interview being broadcast in Russia and the Russian propaganda police known as the 'Roskomnadzor' have claimed that the ban is based on 'foreign media outlets acting as foreign agents'.
Zelenskyy has called for face-to-face talks with Vladmir Putin, a demand that was quickly refuted by the Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. However, Zelenskyy did say that he hoped that the negotiations between Ukrainian and Russia delegates in Turkey this week would result in a positive outcome. In his nightly address he said:
"We are looking for peace, really, without delay. There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey. This is not bad. Let's see the outcome."
He also once again praised the heroic defenders of Ukraine, saying they are:
"Holding back the occupiers, and in some areas, they are even taking steps forward. Well done."
Multiple reports from across Ukraine have suggested that for the first time since the war began Ukrainian forces are making a serious attempt to push back the invaders and retake lost territory.
The apparent failure so far of the Russian invasion has been blamed on poor training, poor morale amongst troops, poor planning, poor logistics and an extremely effective Ukrainian defence. Some analysts have suggested that last week's statements from Russian officials that they 'had achieved' their initial goals and were now solely focusing on 'liberating' the two republics of Luhansk and Donetsk, was a clear sign that the mission had been a complete failure.
[Based on reporting by: MSN]
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