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 and Russia could hold their first direct talks for three years to end the war this week after Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that he would meet Vladimir Putin in Turkey on Thursday. However, Ukraine’s president said he awaited a full ceasefire starting today to provide the necessary basis for diplomacy.