Russia, Ukraine Agree On 'unconditional Truce' During Paris Talks

After eight hours of discussions, Russia and Ukraine agreed at a four-way meeting in Paris on Wednesday that all parties should observe a 'ceasefire' in Ukraine's east. According to Sputnik, Kremlin Deputy Chief of Staff Dmitry Kozak stated that "the truce must be respected unconditionally" by all parties. Moscow and Kyiv had a Normandy Format meeting in Paris, with representatives from France and Germany in attendance.

According to the reports, the four nations compiled a list of political issues relating to the Minsk agreements on a settlement in eastern Ukraine and reached an agreement on a Donbas truce.

However, on Wednesday, the US and NATO sent a written answer to Russia in response to the draught security guarantees required by the Kremlin in December. NATO rejected Russia's list of requests after Moscow strengthened its military presence along Eastern European borders in its proposal.

In a statement, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg said, "Our response detailed three important areas where the international military bloc sees space for development," while US State Secretary Antony Blinken remarked, "The letter provided Russia a real diplomatic option" to end the standoff."