Tyrant Putin sent henchmen to ‘peace’ talks while unleashing a rocket blitz to massacre civilians

VLADIMIR Putin sent his henchmen to “peace” talks yesterday at the same time as he unleashed a rocket blitz to massacre civilians. The Russian tyrant’s envoys joined discussions on the Belarus border after an incredible Ukrainian fightback wrecked his invasion masterplan. Not known, clear with picture deskCapital city Kyiv is lit up under yet another rocket attack[/caption] AlamyRussian and Ukrainian delegations at so-called peace talks at the border with Belarus yesterday[/caption] But as his cronies sat down at the negotiating table, Putin’s military launched a horrifying rocket and missile barrage that devastated a civilian neighbourhood. Dozens were feared dead and hundreds more hurt in Ukraine’s second city, Kharkiv, after a hail of Grad rockets and Smerch missiles were seen “lighting up” a huge area. The Sun was in the city as the deadly bombardment began and felt the shockwaves from the early blasts. The worst of the carnage was focused in northern suburbs where troops are braced for a third wave ground assault — after sending the invaders packing twice already. Russian fighter bombers were seen roaring over the city and harrowing footage showed crumpled bodies and streets smeared with blood. Video taken by one survivor as he staggered among the body parts and screaming victims included the voice of a shocked but angry victim pouring scorn on scheming Putin. Addressing the Russian dictator, the Ukrainian man said: “Russian peace you say? This is where I live and this is what has happened to your Russian peace.” Most read in The Sun SPEEDBOAT HORROR Thai star dies after falling from speedboat on restaurant trip with pals DASH & DINE Ronaldo 'whisks Georgina off to exclusive Madrid restaurant' after Watford draw SHOW UP This Morning panic as show is OFF air leaving fans asking 'where's Holly and Phil?' PUTIN BLITZ 'Dozens killed' as Putin begins carpet-bombing civilians after stalled invasion 'SHOW THIS TO PUTIN' Horror pics show girl, 6, in unicorn pyjamas killed in Russian bombing KNIFE EDGE Ukraine faces 'crucial 24 hours' with Russia peace talks as Belarus warns of WW3 ‘War crimes’ Military experts spoke of their horror at the use of the unguided Grad and Smerch weapons fired from rocket launchers miles away. Oleg Sinegubov, Kharkiv’s regional governor, said: “The Russian enemy is bombing residential areas. As a result of the bombardments that are ongoing, we cannot call on the emergency services.” Defence analyst Paul Beaver last night told The Sun: “There is absolutely no excuse and no military advantage in using these weapons against civilians. “It is an indiscriminate terror weapon deployed purely to crush the morale of Ukrainians. “Their deployment shows how frustrated the Russians are — and how they will resort to tactics which may be considered to be war crimes.” Read our Russia – Ukraine live blog for the very latest updates Explosions suddenly erupted in the north-east of the city as thousands of desperate residents queued outside supermarkets for food and water at midday yesterday. There were fears that banned ­cluster bombs may have been used. Kremlin commanders in terror of Putin’s wrath are thought to have been ordered to take Kharkiv quickly, regardless of the civilian toll. Hours before the latest bombardment, The Sun had watched the city’s defenders fight street battles with Russian infantry. A convoy of Russian Tiger trucks, used by Spetsnaz special forces, were blasted with Ukrainian missiles after a dawn raid was beaten back. And the invaders were ambushed and fled on foot under fire before being cornered and wiped out in a school. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office said the goal of yesterday’s talks was an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. But concern grew that Putin may have agreed to the meeting to raise false hopes while his troops regroup to unleash a more devastating wave of reckless attacks. It came as Mr Zelenskyy applied for Ukraine to join the European Union in what has been hailed a “historic moment”. Concern grew that Putin may have agreed to the meeting to raise false hopes while his troops regroup to unleash a more devastating wave of reckless attacks. He has called for “fast-tracked” entry to help his nation fight off Russian forces by strengthening its ties with the West. An image posted on social media showed him signing an official application at a desk with indoor barricades behind him. Embattled Zelenskyy was pessimistic about the Belarus talks — where Russian aides were expected to trot out their leader’s demand that Ukraine must be banned from Nato. Hours before the two sides met, explosions were heard as Ukraine’s army fought off a string of attempts to enter Kyiv as more attacks were resisted in Cherkasy and Chernihiv. And Russian troops surrounded the port city of Mariupol overnight as it was revealed the invasion force has so far fired more than 350 missiles at Ukraine. UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace warned the failure of Putin’s original invasion plan could force Russia to unleash “ruthless, indiscriminate” bombing. And attacks like yesterday’s Kharkiv horror could soon be played out all over besieged Ukraine. Over-confident Russian commanders promised Putin the rapid collapse of Ukraine’s defences and a pro- ­Moscow puppet government in place within 72 hours. But they did not count on the incredible fighting spirit of the nation’s defenders whose ranks continue to grow as tens of thousands more civilians take up arms. Brits were yesterday ordered not to travel to Russia as they risk becoming stranded there. And Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich claimed he is trying to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. The Russian oligarch, who has close ties to Putin, is working for “a peaceful resolution” after being contacted by figures in the Jewish community, his spokesman said. Additional reporting by Jerome Starkey, Jonathan Reilly and Natasha Clark. East2westUkraine’s second city Kharkiv is heavily bombarded by Russian rocket and artillery fire yesterday[/caption] ReutersZelenskyy and officials sign EU entry request[/caption] AFPHuge rocket crater on the outskirts of capital Kyiv[/caption] AFPKharkiv school hit by missile barrage yesterday[/caption] ReutersRussian Tiger truck blasted by Ukrainian forces[/caption] GettyCharred building in Kyiv after missile strike yesterday[/caption]