Talks with Ukraine may soon produce draft agreements: Russia delegate

A Russian delegate to talks with Ukraine was quoted on Sunday as saying they had made significant progress and it was possible the delegations could soon reach draft agreements, although he did not say what these would cover. 

RIA news agency quoted Leonid Slutsky as comparing the state of the talks now with the situation when they first started, and saying there was “substantial progress”. His comments came on Day 18 of the war which began when Russian forces invaded Ukraine on February 24. 

“According to my personal expectations, this progress may grow in the coming days into a joint position of both delegations, into documents for signing,” Slutsky said. 

It was not clear what the scope of such documents might be. Ukraine has said it is willing to negotiate, but not to accept any ultimatums. Three rounds of talks between the two sides had focused mainly on humanitarian issues.

US authorises $200 mn of military aid to Ukraine  

Agencies

US President Joe Biden authorised $200 million in additional military equipment for Ukraine on Saturday, as Russia widened its bombardment and pummelled civilian areas. 

Washington already authorised $350 million of military equipment on February 26 — the largest such package in US history. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pleas for help have grown increasingly desperate, and he has repeatedly urged Washington, the EU and NATO for help.