Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky is prepared to hold ceasefire and peace talks with Russia ‘immediately’, his spokesperson said.

Serhiy Nykyforov said officials from both sides are currently discussing a time and place for talks to be held.

He also denied reports that Mr Zelensky had rebuffed a Russian offer to explore peace talks earlier today.

Russian media reported that Ukraine turned down an offer to meet Vladimir Putin in Minsk, Belarus, which is Russia’s ally. The Interfax news agency said Ukraine had requested for the talks to be held in Nato state Poland instead.

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Nykyforov wrote on Facebook: ‘I have to refute the claims that we have refused to negotiate.

‘Ukraine was and remains ready to talk about ceasefire and peace.

‘This is our constant position.’

He said that officials from both sides are now ‘consulting about the place and time of the negotiation process’.

He added: ‘The sooner the negotiations begin, the more chance there will be to restore normal life.’

Renewed efforts for diplomacy come after multiple fresh explosions were heard in Kyiv on Friday night.

Russian troops are bearing down on Ukraine’s capital, with gunfire and explosions resonating ever closer to the government quarter.

The mayor of Kyiv has warned of a ‘threatening situation’ and said the city faces a ‘tough night ahead’.

There has also been heavy fighting in the southern city of Melitopol, which Russia claims to have taken.

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