Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday called on Russian soldiers to "lay down their weapons" in a video released ahead of negotiations with Moscow, during which Kyiv will demand the withdrawal of Russian forces from its territory, according to AFP.

Speaking in Russian, Zelensky said, "Lay down your weapons, don't believe your leaders, simply save your lives."

The Ukrainian delegation arrived on military helicopters in Belarus Monday to hold talks with its Russian counterpart, according to RIA Novosti.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry declared via its official Facebook page Monday that it is ready to host negotiations between Ukraine and Russia as the Russian military operation in Ukraine enters its fifth day.

On Sunday, Ukraine agreed to join talks with Russia despite expressing a lack of confidence that these negotiations can end the conflict.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there will be no preconditions to the talks.

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that the Russian fighter jets, helicopters, and missiles that have been scattered across Belarus will remain in the country during the Ukrainian delegation’s presence.