Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his hope for "direct" talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and his government's readiness for a diplomatic solution, according to the presidential office.

Zelenskyy said the goal of every round of talks is to end the conflict with Russia. Ukraine is ready to make some compromises and hopes Russia is willing to do the same to get out of the current impasse, he said.