Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday that there will not be a pause in Russia's military operation in Ukraine ahead of the next round of talks, reported Reuters. He added that he sees no reason not to continue talks with Ukraine. 

His remarks come after reports over the weekend that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set himself a deadline to achieve some sort of victory in Ukraine before Russia's "Victory Day" public holiday on 9 May. Geopolitical commentators have warned that the setting of this deadline could result in dangerous escalation in the fighting in Ukraine.