Ukraine and Russia are discussing a place and time for negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s spokesman said on social media on Friday.

“Ukraine was and remains ready to discuss a ceasefire and peace,” added spokesman Sergii Nykyforov.

Ukraine’s government said it was discussing with Russia the timing and location of potential peace talks. The diplomatic to and fro comes as fighting continues on the ground with Russian forces moving toward the capital.

Any talks would likely struggle to find common ground on the question of “neutrality” for Ukraine, which has sought to join NATO and draw closer to Europe.

Separately, the EU, U.K., and U.S. all announced sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. While the move is largely symbolic, it puts the Russian president in a category of infamous leaders including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and former Libyan strongman Moammar Al Qaddafi. At the UN, Russia vetoed a resolution condemning its invasion of its neighbor.

Source: with agencies