Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will release prisoners in his country with military experience if they are willing to join the fight against Russia.

The President made his remarks during a speech in the country’s capital Kyiv, as a Ukrainian delegation and Russian representatives met at the Belarusian border for peace talks.

He also called on Russian soldiers in Ukraine to lay down their arms, saying: “Save your lives and leave.”

“Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don’t believe your commanders. Don’t believe your propagandists. Just save your lives,” he said.

Mr Zelensky claimed that 4,500 Russian soldiers have been killed so far in the conflict.

He also said 16 Ukrainian children have been killed and 45 have been wounded over the past four days.

Mr Zelensky has urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership.

“We appeal to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure,” he said.

“Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I’m sure it’s fair. I’m sure it’s possible.”

President Zelensky said the next 24 hours will be a “crucial period” for his country but added that he sees little prospect of any meaningful dialogue in negotiations with Russia in Belarus.