The US State Department suspended operations at its Minsk Embassy in Belarus on Monday as talks began between Russia and Ukraine.

Additionally, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency employees and family members at the US Embassy in Moscow.

"We took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian forces," the department said in a statement.

"The Department of State continually adjusts its posture at embassies and consulates throughout the world in line with its mission, the local security environment, and the health situation. We ultimately have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens, and that includes our U.S. government personnel and their dependents serving around the world."

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to "urgently admit Ukraine" to the bloc, as the country defends itself from invading Russian forces.

"We appeal to the European Union to urgently admit Ukraine using a new procedure," Zelensky said in a Monday video message.

"We are grateful to partners for standing with us. But our goal is to be with all Europeans and, to be equal to them. I am sure we deserve it. I am sure it is possible."

The website of a Russian state news agency was hacked Monday, with its usual content replaced with messages blasting President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

“We urge you to stop this madness, do not send your sons and husbands to certain death,” reads the message on state news agency TASS.

“Putin is forcing us to lie and is putting us in danger...It’s not our war, let’s stop him!”

It was unclear who hacked the site.

With Post wires

The Vatican's No. 2 said Monday he is "ready to facilitate negotiations between Russia and Ukraine," insisting "it is never too late" for a peaceful resolution.

Speaking to four Italian newspapers, Secretary of State Cardinals Pietro Parolin said he is "convinced there is always room for negotiations."

“There is a need to avoid any escalation, stop the clashes and negotiate,” he said, according to a transcript released by the Vatican.

“Although what we feared and hoped would not happen has happened — the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine — I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation. It is never too late! Because the only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue, as Pope Francis never tires of repeating," he told reporters.

"The Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly, and with great attention, offering its willingness to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume that path.”

His comments come as crucial talks between top officials from the two countries began.

A Ukrainian brewery has switched craft beer for Molotov cocktails in the fight against advancing Russian troops.

The workers at the Pravda brewery in Lviv decided to produce the petrol bombs amid fears that Russian tanks will roll into the western city of 720,000 residents near the Polish border, Agence France-Presse reported.

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Dozens of people were killed in rocket strikes by Russian forces on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday morning, Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said.

"Kharkiv has just been massively fired upon by grads (rockets). Dozens of dead and hundreds of wounded," he said in a post on Facebook.

With Post wires

Canada fired off a warning toward Russia's Aeroflot after the airline breached a Canadian airspace ban.

The Russian plane -- Aeroflot Flight 111 -- was heading from Miami to Moscow. Canada, along with multiple members of the European Union, announced they would ban Russian planes from entering into their country's airspace after Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine.

Transport Canada said it's launching a probe into the Aeroloft warning.

"We will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action and other measures to prevent future violations," Transport Canada wrote in a tweet.

High-stakes negotiations between Russia and Ukraine have begun in Belarus. 

After Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the world into panic mode when he ordered Russia's nukes on high alert, the Post decided to plaster its front cover page with the Ukrainian flag.

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Talks between Ukraine and Russia have started at the Belarussian border, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters via text message on Monday.

Earlier the Ukrainian president's office said Ukraine's goal for the talks was an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

With Post wires

After Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine, many Americans of all walks of life are wondering how they can help the Ukrainian people in their time of suffering.

While there are many fundraisers, charities and organizations to consider donating to or helping in some way, Charity Navigator has put together a list of some of the top-rated nonprofits that are aiding in relief and recovery efforts in Ukraine.

These charities have earned high ratings for their financial efficiency and for clarity and transparency about their operations.

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A Ukrainian delegation, including Ukraine Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, arrived at Belarus' border for peace talks with Russia.

The two parties hope to settle on a ceasefire and an eventual withdrawal of Russian troops.

Other Ukrainian delegation members include Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mykola Tochitsky and Parliament's Head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia.

With Post wires