More than half a million have fled Ukraine as ceasefire talks with Russia begin

More than half a million people have fled Ukraine into neighboring countries since Russia late last week began its invasion of Ukraine. 

Russian troops, backed by tanks and rocket fire, have taken aim at Ukraine's two biggest cities, capitol Kyiv and second-biggest city Kharkov, which are collectively home to about 4.5 million people. 

The exodus goes on amid talks Monday between the country's to end the deadly attack and defense efforts. 

According to the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a delegation that includes Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, as well as the deputy foreign minister and a close adviser to the president headed to meet with the Russians in an attempt to negotiate "an  immediate cease-fire and the withdrawal of troops from the territory of Ukraine."

Russia has said it is willing to discuss options so long as Ukraine agrees to "demilitarize and de-nazify." Zelensky says he is not optimistic about the outcome of the discussion.

Belarus is reportedly preparing to send in troops in support of Ukraine, which could happen as soon as Monday. A U.S. official told the Washington Post, "It’s very clear Minsk is now an extension of the Kremlin."