Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will resume face-to-face talks as soon as Tuesday in Istanbul, according to a Russian presidential aide on Sunday, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that his country is willing to accept neutrality as part of a peace deal.
Ukraine's intelligence chief has accused Russia of intending to split the country, similar to North and South Korea. Meanwhile, face-to-face talks are set to restart on Monday.
The head of Ukraine's Lugansk separatist region said Sunday it may hold a referendum on becoming part of Russia, after Moscow sent troops into its pro-Western neighbour.