CONVERSATION TABLE

Ukrainian representatives held a first round of negotiations with their Russian counterparts on Monday in Belarusian territory to seek a solution to the conflict caused by the Russian invasion that began on February 24.

After a few hours of dialogue, both parties returned to their capitals for consultations before a second round of talks, the Reuters agency reported, citing the Belarusian agency Belta News.

Ukraine reiterated the call for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops, while the Kremlin indicated that it would not announce its position in advance.

Moscow negotiators have said only that they hope to reach a mutually beneficial deal.