Putin implies Russia is open to direct talks with Ukraine

Elsewhere, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled that he is open to direct talks with Ukraine, for the first time since the full-scale war began more than three years ago.

During an interview with Russian state TV on Monday, Putin said Russia has "always looked positively on any peace initiatives," adding that he "hopes that representatives of the Kyiv regime will feel the same way."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "the president had in mind negotiations with the Ukrainian side."

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not directly respond to Putin's comments, but said in his nightly video address on the same day that Ukraine is "ready for any conversation" that would ensure the safety of civilians.