![European Council President Charles Michel said: 'The big question remains: does the Kremlin want dialogue?' [Sputnik/Sergey Guneev/Kremlin via Reuters]](https://media.todaynewsafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/08080524/Putin-1.jpeg)
Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 09:33 am
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Russia pledged on Tuesday to ‘drastically’ reduce its military operations around the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and the northern city of Chernihiv and Ukraine proposed that it will not seek to join NATO or host foreign military bases but would need international guarantees that it will be protected from attack. In 2014, Ukraine voted to drop its neutral membership and seek NATO membership after Russia annexed Crimea.
The declaration came after a day of talks ended with no big announcement of a peace deal on Monday. On Tuesday, the Ukrainian delegation said it proposed countries such as France, Turkey and Israel to “guarantee” Ukraine security in the future.
Ukraine said the final agreement would require the consent of the Ukrainian people through a referendum and an end to fighting.
Vladimir Medinsky, an advisor to President Vladimir Putin of Russia said the negotiations were constructive. He said the Russian delegation would report back to the Kremlin.
White House
In Washington D.C., President Biden convened a call with President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy and Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom to discuss the latest developments regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
