Zelenskyy hints at compromise, 3 EU leaders reached Kyiv

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict raged on for the twentieth day straight, President Zelenskyy hinted at a compromise that could soon bring about a cessation of hostilities."If we cannot enter through open doors, then we must cooperate with the associations with which we can, which will help us, protect us ... and have separate guarantees," Zelensky said in a video address. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met virtually for a second day of talks, with ceasefire and evacuation efforts on the top of the agenda. Ukrainian officials played up hopes the war could end sooner than expected, saying Moscow may be coming to terms with its failure to impose a new government on Kyiv by force. Meanwhile, the leaders of three European Union countries reached to besieged Kyiv despite security risks. The prime ministers of Poland, Czech Republic and Slovenia held a meeting in Kyiv on Tuesday, where Russian forces have mounted a relentless onslaught, in a show of solidarity "of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."

From left: Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Polish Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Kaczyński and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala meet in Kyiv on March 15.

Photo: Mateusz Morawiecki / Facebook pic.twitter.com/3Pr9r2p7Bo

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 15, 2022

The number of Ukrainians fleeing the war approached 3 million on Tuesday, according to data from the UN refugee agency showed. Half of that figure -- 1.5 million people -- represents children forced to flee the conflict, said Unicef spokesperson James Elder.This translates to one child becoming a refugee with every passing minute of the Russia-Ukraine war. So far, 691 civilians, including 48 children, have been killed since the invasion began 20 days ago, the UN human rights office said. In a retaliatory action, Moscow said that US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and other top Biden administration officials have been put on the Russion sanctions list. Russia's Foreign Ministry said that the measure is a response to the US sanctions against the Russian leadership. Russia also bans Justin Trudeau and over 300 Canadians from entering the country. The list includes Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie, Defense Minister Anita Anand, and almost all MPs. The move was a reaction to Canada’s support of Ukraine.