The outcome of the first round of talks between Ukraine and Russia has not been made public. However, both sides have agreed to continue negotiations as the sixth day of Russia’s invasion draws to a close.

Delegates met at Ukraine’s border with Belarus amidst Russia’s relentless military operation in the former Soviet Union Nation.

At the same time, the United Nations Assembly held its first emergency session in decades. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: “The guns are talking now, but the path of dialogue must always remain open.”

Meanwhile, Vietnam War veteran Darnell Stephen Summers told Radio Islam that the main priority amongst the West and Russia must be de-escalation instead of further threats.

“The relaxation of military tensions has to be the primary goal. We need to have dialogue and we need to have banning of nuclear weapons,” he said.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin placed nuclear forces on “high alert” in response to tightening sanctions imposed by the European Union.

Summers criticised Russia’s “unprovoked” invasion and warned against using nuclear weapons.

“Russia feels that it was threatened, but I do not think [the invasion] was justified. We don’t need more wars on this planet. There’s been the threat of nuclear retaliation – that shouldn’t be an option.

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