The Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its 32nd day on Sunday, despite the fact that negotiations between the two parties have so far produced no productive outcomes. The delegations have now decided to hold the next round of in-person discussions in Turkey between March 28 and 30, according to Ukraine negotiator and lawmaker David Arakhamia, who announced the decision on Facebook earlier in the day.

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Vladimir Medinsky, Russia’s chief negotiator, confirmed Turkey as the destination for the next round of negotiations. He did, however, state that the talks will begin on March 29 and end on March 30.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the two former Soviet neighbours have reached an agreement on four of six discussion points, including Ukraine’s refusal to join NATO, the use of Russian in Ukraine, disarmament, and security assurances. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that there is “no consensus” with Russia on crucial issues.

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This development comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the West of timidity and a lack of confidence in dealing with Russia. “If only those who have been thinking for 31 days on how to hand over dozens of jets and tanks had 1% of their courage.” the comedian-turned-president remarked earlier in the day in a video address. Zelensky has repeatedly urged the West to supply Ukraine with fighter planes and tanks.

Referring to the besieged city of Mariupol, which has been the target of Russian missiles, and with repeated attempts for a humanitarian corridor for the city failing due to blame-shifting between the two countries, Zelensky said the “determination, heroism, and firmness” of the “defenders” are “astonishing.”

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“I’ve talked to the defenders of Mariupol today. I’m in constant contact with them,” Zelensky said.

Two humanitarian corridors were agreed upon earlier in the day between Russia and Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk in a video message.

Meanwhile, US Vice President Joe Biden’s venomous verbal attack on his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin has elicited a flood of responses. During a visit to Poland’s capital Warsaw on Saturday, Biden referred to Putin as a “butcher” after meeting with Ukrainian refugees. Later, he called for the Russian president to be deposed. During his statement, Biden stated, “For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power.”

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Despite describing the US as a crucial ally, French President Emmanuel Macron distanced himself from Biden’s remarks, saying the focus should be on ending the war rather than “escalating” the situation “either in words or action.”

According to Reuters, the separatist Luhansk People’s Republic in eastern Ukraine, which is partially backed by Russia, indicated earlier in the day that it may organise a vote soon to join the country.

This comes after the Russian military stated on Friday that its priority is to “complete liberation” the Donbas region. The action might be interpreted as a result of Russian troops failing to make sufficient territory gains in Ukraine due to the latter’s staunch opposition.