Ukraine's President Zelensky Rejects Belarus As Talk Venue With Russia

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, says his country is ready for peace talks with Russia but not in Belarus.

He cited that which was for the cause of the country being a staging ground for Russia’s invasion.

Speaking in a video message, Zelenskyy named Warsaw, Bratislava, Istanbul, Budapest and Baku as alternative venues.

He said other locations are also possible but made clear that Ukraine doesn’t accept Russia’s selection of Belarus.

"Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku. We proposed all of them", he stated.

It was also claimed on Sunday that a Russian delegation had arrived in the Belarusian city of Homel for talks with Ukrainian officials.

The spokesperson for Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, said the delegation includes military officials and diplomats.

"The Russian delegation is ready for talks, and we are now waiting for the Ukrainians."

He also added that the Ukrainian side has chosen Belarusian city of Homel as place for peace talks, adding that Russia has warned Ukraine that military operations will not be halted while talks are ongoing.

Russia invaded Ukraine with troops moving from Russia’s ally, Belarus in the north, and also from the east and south.