Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready for direct peace talks with Ukraine, adding that he is not ready for any more temporary ceasefires after the one-day Easter ceasefire.

The Russian president said Moscow was open to any peace initiatives and expected the same from Kiev, Reuters reported.

Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov pointed out, "When the president said it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president was referring to negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side."

Peskov did not comment on U.S. President Donald Trump's statement on the possibility of a peace agreement soon, "especially on the timing."

"President Putin and the Russian side remain open to seeking a peaceful solution. We continue to work with the American side and, of course, we hope that the work will bear fruit," he added. | BGNES