Ukraine, Russia envoys talk under shadow of nuclear threat
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian and Ukrainian delegations met for talks amid high hopes but low expectations for any diplomatic breakthrough.
The talks Monday come after Moscow unleashed the biggest land war in Europe since World War II but met unexpectedly stiff resistance.
As outgunned but determined Ukrainian forces slowed the Russian advance and sanctions crippled the Russian economy, the military confirmed that its nuclear forces were on high alert.
While that raised the unimaginable specter of nuclear conflict, it was unclear what practical effect it had.
A tense calm reigned Monday in Kyiv, explosions and gunfire were heard in embattled cities in eastern Ukraine, and terrified Ukrainian families huddled overnight in shelters, basements or corridors.
