Fresh round of talks to begin shortly

Hopes of diplomatic progress have been raised after Ukranian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak had earlier said weekend negotiations were “constructive” – the most upbeat assessment yet.

“Russia is already beginning to talk constructively,” Mr Podolyak said in a video online. “I think that we will achieve some results literally in a matter of days.”

Seperate talks between the US and China will also be held on Monday, as concerns grow over the possibility of Beijing sending aid to Russia, BBC reports.