The new round of negotiations comes amid a long history of delaying tactics by the Russian side as the fighting in Ukraine grinds on.

Russia’s economy is under growing strain as its invasion of Ukraine drags on and Western sanctions are undermining President Vladimir Putin’s ability to sustain his war, a leading European economist said after briefing finance ministers on Tuesday.

Donetsk region. On May 9, two civilians were killed and two others injured in attacks by Russian forces on Donetsk province in Ukraine’s east. The deaths were reported in the towns of Siversk and Rivne by the region’s military governor Vadym Filashkin.