Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Ukraine to take part in "direct talks" on 15 May.

Putin said Russia was seeking "serious negotiations" aimed at "moving towards a lasting, strong peace".

Putin added he could "not rule out" the possibility that the talks could result in Russia and Ukraine agreeing "a new truce".

He did not address calls for a 30-day ceasefire directly.

The Russian leader said the proposed talks should be held in the Turkish city of Istanbul, as they have been before, and that he would speak to Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday to discuss the details.

As a reminder, Kyiv has not responded to Putin's invitation.

(Source: BBC)