Ukraine: Missiles Launched Into Ukraine From Belarus, Interior Ministry Says

The Interior Ministry has said short range missiles have reportedly been launched into Ukraine from Belarus.

At around 5.00pm local time (3.00pm GMT), Iskander missiles were launched from Belarus into Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing invasion of the country, according to an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister.

The missile attack follows in the wake of earlier confirmation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's that negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow are set to be held at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border.

Anton Herashchenko posted footage of the missiles onto Facebook, BBC News reports.

He commented: [Translation] 'Iskanders launched against Ukraine from the vicinity of Mozyr. This means they've brought death somewhere... so this is the kind of ceasefire we have?'

News of the missile launch follows an agreement between Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko and Zelensky made earlier today, February 27. It was decided that the two parties would meet 'without preconditions' near the Pripyat River, as per a statement released by Zelensky's office.

The statement read: 'Alexander Lukashenko has taken responsibility for ensuring that all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarusian territory remain on the ground during the Ukrainian delegation's travel, talks and return.'

However, amid talks of negotiations between Belarus and Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has put Russia's nuclear deterrent status 'on alert,' adding to growing concern over just how far the invasion will escalate.

Putin's order to put the country's nuclear deterrent forces in a 'special regime of combat duty' follows rising tensions between Russia and the West as the US and UK unveiled a list of sanctions against the country, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation decided to deploy additional air, land and sea forces to eastern Europe.

In doing so, Putin accused NATO of having made 'aggressive statements' towards Russia.

As fighting has continued, Ukraine has since filed a lawsuit against Russia to the UN international court of justice at the Hague, accusing the Kremlin of showing 'signs of genocide' for 'attacking everything', including civilians and children.

While the figure has yet to be confirmed by Russia, Ukrainian officials have estimated that as of today, February 27, more than 4,300 Russian troops have been killed, hundreds more injured, and that roughly 200 Russian soldiers have been taken in as prisoners of war.

The Ukrainian government estimate that at least 210 Ukrainian civilians have died since the invasion first began four days ago, a number of which is reported as including the lives of children.

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information 

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