A fourth round of high-level discussions between Ukrainian and Russian officials is underway even as Moscow's troops press their assault on Kyiv and other cities. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak tweeted a photo of the two sides meeting by video link.

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“Communication is being held, yet it's hard,” Podolyak said on Twitter. Earlier, he said the negotiators would discuss ‘peace, ceasefire, immediate withdrawal of troops & security guarantees.’

Previous rounds were held in person on the border with Belarus, most recently a week ago, and failed to produce a breakthrough. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Monday afternoon that the latest talks had started. “Everyone is waiting for news. We will definitely report in the evening”, Zelenskyy said in a new video address. 

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