Putin reportedly ready to agree to Ukraine truce with conditions
What's the story
Russia is reportedly willing to discuss a temporary truce in Ukraine, provided there is progress toward a final peace settlement.
This comes as the first positive response from President Vladimir Putin to US President Donald Trump's call for a ceasefire.
The offer was conveyed at last month's talks in Saudi Arabia between top Russian and American officials.
Terms outlined
Russia's conditions for ceasefire
A clear understanding of framework principles for the final peace agreement is a prerequisite for the cessation of hostilities.
Sources said Russia would insist on establishing parameters of an eventual peacekeeping mission, including which countries would participate in such a mission.
The US and Ukraine are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week for their first direct talks since Trump's recent confrontation with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Position clarified
Russia's stance on NATO troops and neutral countries
Russia has reiterated it won't tolerate NATO troops on Ukrainian soil.
It has also rejected a European nations' suggestion of creating a "coalition of the willing" to oversee any peace deal.
However, it has no problem with neutral countries such as China deploying forces to Ukraine, sources familiar with the matter said.
Policy change
Trump's shift in US policy toward Russia's invasion
Since his inauguration, Trump has overturned US policy on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His goal is a swift end to the three-year-long war, Europe's worst conflict in 80 years.
After a recent confrontation with Zelenskiy at the White House, Trump paused military aid to Ukraine and suspended some intelligence-sharing with Kyiv.
The move has left European allies shocked, who believe the US risks rewarding Russia's aggression.
Putin's stance
Putin's response to Trump's proposal for peace
Putin has repeatedly brushed aside Trump's bid for a quick halt to the war.
During his annual news conference in December, he said: "We don't need a truce — we need peace: long-term, durable, with guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens."
Russia on Thursday rejected a Franco-British plan for a partial one-month truce covering air and maritime operations, including a halt to strikes targeting energy infrastructure.