Russia, Ukraine set for face-to-face peace talks

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks online at a meeting of the European Council. PHOTO | AFP

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will resume face-to-face peace talks as soon as Monday, probing whether a near-stalemate in fighting has forced Moscow to temper its demands.

President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed the new negotiations, saying he hoped they would bring peace "without delay", and lamented a month-long Russian invasion that has already killed thousands and devastated numerous Ukrainian cities.