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, BBC reported.

His comments came after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Ukraine to take part in "serious negotiations" in a late-night address.

But the Ukrainian president said: "We expect Russia to confirm a ceasefire - complete, lasting and credible - starting tomorrow, 12 May, and Ukraine is ready to meet."

Western powers called for a 30-day pause in fighting to begin on Monday after European leaders spearheading the so-called "coalition of the willing" met in Kyiv on Saturday, according to BBC.