INTERNATIONAL:  The first round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine officials has ended on Monday, February 28. So far, no tangible result between the Kyiv-Moscow negotiations, which have just been concluded, but now they will return to their capitals for consultations.

Delegates found topics that they could agree upon next time on the Belarus- Poland border after consultations. The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine should take place in two days.

Before the meeting, Ukraine's President Zelensky urged Russian troops to lay down their weapons and called for immediate EU membership.

A rare emergency session of the UN General Assembly has begun with a demand from the secretary-general for an immediate ceasefire.

Russia has doubled its interest rate to 20% as its currency plunges and experts warn of a possible run on banks.

Dozens of civilians have been killed in Russian missile strikes on Ukraine's second city, Kharkiv, a Ukrainian official says

The UN says more than half a million refugees have now fled Ukraine for neighboring countries.