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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says talks Monday in Belarus should focus on an immediate, unconditional cease-fire in Ukraine.

The meeting in Minsk involves representatives from Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.  It was not clear if pro-Russian separatists would also take part.

Lavrov also said there will be no Russian military intervention in neighboring Ukraine.

NATO estimates there are at least 1,000 Russian troops present inside Ukraine, and European Union leaders have demanded that Russia immediately withdraw its forces from the country.  Russia has repeatedly denied it has any troops in Ukraine.

The talks in Minsk come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin called for substantive talks on statehood for southeastern Ukraine.  He said on state television that such a move is needed "to protect the lawful interests of people" who live in the region.