After days of fighting in Ukraine, delegates representing both sides are holding talks.

Dmytro Kunleba, the Foreign Minister said that Ukraine was open to continuing seeking a diplomatic resolution but not willing to yield or capitulate to Ukraine.

This comment comes as Ukrainian and Russian officials are holding talks in Belarus which is near the two countries. These discussions aim to de-escalate hostilities following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last Wednesday.

During the talks, Ukraine stated that it wanted an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops, who have targeted various areas in northern, eastern, and southern Ukraine. In the meantime, troops from the north are moving towards the capital Kyiv.

Kuleba indicated that he was not sure if talks are ongoing, and that he wasn’t certain they would be successful.

He stated, “I am a diplomat. I must believe in the success and viability of negotiations. However, my primary goal now as a diplomat is to impose additional sanctions against Russia, bring more weapons to Ukraine, and isolate Russia in international forums so that I can focus on this aspect of diplomacy.”

He added, “We are not just for ourselves. We stand for the entire world order as we know it.”

Russia’s attacks on ground and air have been reported by major cities as shelling, damage and deaths to buildings and soldiers, and both civilians and soldiers.

Many Ukrainians have fled Ukraine after the invasion. However, many of them have stayed in their country to defend themselves and their families.

Western countries have placed severe sanctions on Russia’s financial sector and economy. This includes its central bank. This caused the Russian currency to plummet 29% against its dollar on Monday.

Kuleba stated that ordinary Russians will bear the brunt the volatility of the currency. He noted that the “people of Russia are shocked” and already know how serious it is. [already]These unjustified acts of aggression by President Putin are a source of pain for many.

Kuleba stated that it is vital for all nations to take a united stance in not supporting Russia’s financial transactions. He also noted that every Russian ruble bears a trace of Ukrainian blood.

According to analysts, Russia is not making the military advances it would like. The state has armed citizens and troops in Ukraine to halt the resistance of its forces.

The invasion by Russia of Ukraine was widely interpreted as a plot by the President Vladimir PutinMoscow to retain its influence and control over the former Soviet states and other countries, and also prevent NATO’s expansion.

In the two decades that Ukraine’s government tried to get out of Russia’s orbit, it has aspired to be a member of NATO or the EU. The President Volodymyr Zeleskyy called Monday on the EU to immediately allow Ukraine to join, though this usually takes a long time.

Putin claimed that Russia is protecting its citizens by invading Ukraine. Moscow announced last week it would recognize the independence of two pro-Russian, self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine — a move that turned out to be the precursor to a full invasion.