Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Kyiv, a move welcomed by his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky although he stressed that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire first.

Ukraine’s president is pushing for an immediate truce. European leaders have said they will would impose new sanctions on Moscow if Russia’s president does not accept.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed Russia’s offer for direct peace talks but insisted there must be a full ceasefire before they can start.