Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled he is open to bilateral talks with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky for the first time since the early stages of the war.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's President Vladimir Putin discussed Ukraine conflict in a phone call with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said on Monday. Putin outlined Russia's position on the need to address the "root causes" of the conflict and ensure Russia's security interests, the Kremlin said.

MOSCOW/KYIV (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed on Monday bilateral talks with Ukraine for the first time since the early days of the war, and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv was eager to discuss a halt to attacks on civilian targets.