Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul, as European leaders and the United States attempt to put pressure on Moscow to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in order to bring an end to the three-year conflict.

President Trump "wants to see a permanent ceasefire first, to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt has commented on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's announcement of a "truce" timed to coincide with Victory Day. Source: Leavitt's communication with the media on Monday,