Ukraine is ‘not ready to surrender or capitulate’ to Russia, foreign minister says

Talks are being held between delegates from both countries after days of fighting in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told CNBC on Monday that Ukraine is not ready to surrender or capitulate.

The comments come as Ukrainian and Russian officials hold talks in Belarus, which neighbors the two countries, to de-escalate hostilities.

The Ukrainians want an immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of Russian forces, which have attacked various cities and areas of northern, eastern and southern Ukraine. The troops are approaching the capital from the north.

Kuleba was unconvinced that the talks would be successful.

I'm a diplomat and I have to believe in the success of talks, but at the same time I want to impose more sanctions on Russia and bring more weapons to Ukraine.

He said that they stand for the world order as we all know it.

Major cities reported shelling and damage to buildings, as well as the loss of both soldiers and civilians, when Russia conducted attacks both on the ground and by air.

The invasion has led to a large number of Ukrainians attempting to flee the country for safety in eastern Europe, but many have also stayed to defend their homes and country.

Western nations have imposed sanctions on Russia's economy and financial transactions. The Russian ruble plummeted against the dollar on Monday.

The people of Russia are shocked and realize how much they suffer from this unwarranted aggression triggered by President Putin, Kuleba said.

Kuleba said it was important for the international community to take a firm stance when it came to not supporting Russia's financial transactions.

Refugees on the platform of Lviv railway station are seen waiting for trains to Poland on Feb. 27th, 2022.

Russia has not made as much military progress as it would have liked, according to analysts. Ukrainian troops and citizens have been fighting with its forces.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is seen as an attempt by President Vladimir Putin to maintain his control over his neighbors and former Soviet states, as well as preventing the expansion of the Western military alliance NATO.

In the last two decades, the Ukrainian government has sought to leave Russia's sphere of influence and join NATO and the EU. President Zelensky called on the EU to allow it to join the bloc immediately.

Putin tried to justify the invasion of Ukraine by saying that Russia was protecting its citizens in the country. Moscow announced last week that it would recognize the independence of two pro-Russian, self-proclaimed republics in eastern Ukraine.