Zelenskyy proposes to hold talks with Putin in Israel

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he is open for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Israel, but only if there is a cease-fire in place. Mr Zelenskyy said, he told Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett that he would be ready to meet Mr Putin in Jerusalem. The Israeli Prime Minister visited Moscow for a meeting with Putin and spoke repeatedly with Mr Zelenskyy and the leaders of France and Germany as he sought to help mediate an end to the conflict. In a media briefing,  Zelenskyy said, the approach was in contrast to earlier talks at which Moscow only issued ultimatums. The Ukrainian President added that he is happy to have a signal from Russia after President Putin said he saw some positive shifts in their dialogue. Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have held several rounds of talks since Moscow's military action in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, United Nations Security Council members have accused Russia of spreading false information that Ukraine is developing biological weapons. The Security Council met to discuss Russia's claim that Ukraine is operating biological weapons laboratories with US support. The meeting was convened at Russia's request. UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Nakamitsu Izumi told the meeting that she is aware of media reports regarding allegations of biological weapons programs. But she added, the United Nations is not aware of any biological weapons programs. Her remarks were followed by a barrage of criticism against Russia by Security Council members. Britain's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward, Ireland's UN Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason,  and US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield criticized Russia's claim as a harmful act.