Russia and Ukraine have decided to establish humanitarian corridors that would allow civilians to exit combat zones, following the second round of talks between Moscow and Kiev in Belarus.
The safe-passages will be defined following a temporary ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
“The parties have reached an understanding on the joint establishment of humanitarian corridors with a temporary ceasefire. Russia and Ukraine will soon create channels of communication and cooperation to organize these corridors,” Russia Today quoted Ukrainian presidential aide Mikhail Podolyak saying.
The website reported that a Russian delegation led by Vladimir Medinsky, a former culture minister confirmed the development, adding that Moscow and Kiev had solved the “main issue” of saving civilian lives.
He added that the negotiators also found common ground on military and humanitarian issues, as well as future political reconciliation.
Analysts say that a third round of talks that is likely to be held soon could cover more substantial issues driving the conflict. The Russians have been making four key demands: NATO should not expand in new territories that were once part of the former Soviet Union, essentially Ukraine and Georgia, the military alliance should return to its 1997 borders, Ukraine must follow the doctrine of political neutrality and the establishment in Kiev should remove all neo-Nazi elements from the establishement.
The humanitarian corridors once established will be key in exiting large number of Indian students trapped in the Kharkiv area close to the combat zone. Russian President Vladimir Putin has spoken to French President Emmanuel Macron to convey to the Ukrainian side the urgency of establishing a safe passage that Indian and other foreign civilians can use. Putin’s appeal followed his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where the safety of Indians was strongly highlighted.
The Ukrainian side added that while it had not achieved expected results, the dialogue between the two sides will be kept open, with the next round of talks expected in the near future.
Also read: Russia says it is ready to talk with the West on a peace formula to end Ukraine war
