Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is pleased to see that Russia is engaging with finding an end to the war, but there must be a ceasefire before peace talks can start.

Volodymyr Zelensky said it was a "positive sign" that Russia was considering ending the war in Ukraine after Russia offered "direct talks" this coming Thursday. His comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to take part in "serious negotiations" in a late-night address.

Zelensky ready to meet Putin in Turkey, calls for immediate ceasefire * Trump urges Ukraine, Russia to hold direct talks 'immediately' * US, European leaders resoundingly reject Russia's proposal for talks without ceasefire first * Russia launches overnight drone attack across Ukraine,