Putin blames Ukraine for slow negotiations

President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday told UN chief Antonio Guterres that Russia's strategy in negotiations with Ukraine changed following a "provocation" over allegations against the conduct of Russian soldiers in Bucha, outside Kyiv.

The Russian leader did, however, express some hope in the ongoing peace negotiations currently held online. Putin told Guterres that he hopes this will lead them to some positive result," as part of talks in Moscow. Guterres also urged Russia to allow the evacuation of civilians trapped in the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, saying UN and Red Cross agencies would be happy to facilitate.