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.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he hopes Russia and Ukraine will make a deal this week to end the conflict in Ukraine. "BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,

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.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia must fully adhere to the ceasefire conditions and reiterated Ukraine’s offer to extend the truce for 30 days, starting Sunday midnight.

Russia declared a cease-fire for the Easter holiday beginning Saturday. Ukraine, however, says attacks have continued.

Ukraine said it has recorded hundreds of instances of Russian shelling since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a brief Easter ceasefire in his war with Ukraine on Saturday.