Putin calls West an "empire of lies" as Russia-Ukraine ceasefire talks to continue

Officials from Russia and Ukraine ended peace talks on Monday and will return to their respective capitals for further consultations before the second round of negotiations.

Talks began with the aim of an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces, the Ukrainian president's office said.

It was not clear whether any progress could be achieved after Russian President Vladimir Putin put Russia's nuclear-armed units on high alert on Sunday.

Putin also called the West an "empire of lies" on Monday as he discussed the economy with top officials following the imposition of sweeping sanctions against Moscow.