Russia is interested in coming to an agreement that is in the interests of both sides at talks with Ukraine, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on Monday, as officials prepare to meet near the border of Belarus and Ukraine.

Medinsky said talks were expected to begin at 12 p.m. local time (11 am Greek time).

Russia’s political and economic isolation deepened on Monday as its forces met stiff resistance in Ukraine’s capital and other cities in the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two.

The Ukrainian delegation has already arrived at the border by helicopter and is waiting for the meeting to begin. It is being attended by Defence Minister Reznikov and other members of the Ukrainian team.