The US says China will face harsh “consequences” if it aids Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, according to us media reports.

Unnamed officials reportedly told Multiple US news outlets that Russia asked China to provide military assistance after it began the invasion.

The Chinese embassy in Washington said it was not aware of this request.

The warning comes ahead of a meeting in Rome on Monday between top US and China officials.

Meanwhile, a fourth round of talks between Russia and Ukraine are due to start today, according to Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to Ukraine’s Interior Minister.

Hopes of diplomatic progress have been raised after Ukranian negotiator Mykhailo Podolyak had earlier said weekend negotiations were “constructive” – the most upbeat assessment yet.

President Volodomyr Zelensky also renews plea to Nato to impose a No-Fly Zone, one day after devastating missile attack kills dozens.

Ukraine says 140,000 civilians have been evacuated from some front line locations, but not the surrounded city of Mariupol.

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