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Negotiators from Kyiv and Moscow began peace talks at the Belarus border at midday local time today, while fierce fighting continued as Russia maintained its assault on Ukraine.
However, expectations of the talks coming to any kind of an agreement are very low, according to commentators.
Belarus who are one of Russia’s closest allies are reportedly considering deploying Belarusian soldiers to fight.
While President Putin has put nuclear deterrent forces on high alert even though Ukrainian President, Volodymr Zelenskyy has agreed to peace talks.
“Vladimir Putin – World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2009”by World Economic Forum
Russian troops entered Kharkiv which is the second largest city in Ukraine. People living within the city were told to stay at home with their windows closed. This comes after a gas pipeline was blown up by Russian troops.
President Zelensky has today called for an immediate European Union membership which would grant Ukraine a fast-track membership into the EU.
Scotland is ready to stand by an offer to give “refuge and sanctuary” for any Ukrainians who are fleeing from the Russian invasion.
The Scottish Government and Scottish Councils have stated they would “open our arms” to those in need as part of a resettlement plan in the UK is launched.
The Scottish Government has also pledged to provide supplies to Ukraine following the invasion by the Russians.
The Scottish Government says it is ready to “provide both financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia”
An initial £4 million will be provided by the Scots in humanitarian aid before providing medical supplies to the Ukrainians.
This comes despite another failed attempt by Russia to take over the Ukrainian capital Kyiv last night.
It has been rumoured the Russian troops are ‘demoralised and exhausted’ after the failed attempts to break through the iconic city’s defences.
Colonel general Alexander Syrsky, Ukraine’s commander and the man in charge of defending the city claimed “all attempts” to take over the city were a failure also saying “we showed that we can protect our home from uninvited guests”.
The Ukraine defence ministry has put down 5,300 as the number of Russian causalities throughout the invasion. Russia’s defence ministry claims they have had losses however do not know the total amount of casualties in the war.
*Additional reporting from Ewan Coleman*
