Lviv / Kyiv - Prime ministers of Poland, Czech Republic and Slovenia headed to Kyiv by train on Tuesday for the first visit of its kind since war began. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, who crossed the border with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Janez Jansa of Slovenia visited the war-torn area even as buildings there were ablaze and rescue workers were trying to pull survivors from the rubble of fresh Russian bombardment.

According to an official announcement by the Polish government office, the trip was organised in agreement with European Council President Charles Michel and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The three will be visiting as “representatives of the European Council”, the statement said.

The visit is a striking symbol of Ukraine's success so far in fending off an assault that Western countries believe was aimed at seizing Kyiv weeks ago.

"It is our duty to be where history is forged. Because it's not about us, but about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," said Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

Fiala said the aim was "to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."

The visit comes at a time when Ukrainian officials are playing up the hope the war could end sooner than expected, saying Moscow may be coming to terms with its failure to impose a new government on Kyiv by force.

In the latest hint at compromise, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video message on Tuesday that Kyiv was prepared to accept security guarantees that stop short of its long-term objective of the NATO alliance membership, which Moscow opposes.

Peace talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations via a video link restarted on Tuesday after a pause on Monday, the first-time a round of talks ran to a second day.

Czech and Polish officials said the prime ministers' mission was coordinated with the EU and agreed by the bloc's leaders at a summit last week. However, some officials in Brussels were prudent.

While every peace initiative is welcome, the trip "poses serious security risks," noted one EU official. "Some leaders might also wonder: will this jeopardise or will this improve conditions for negotiations with the Russians. It remains to be seen, of course. It's a fine line."
-Reuters