Russia and Ukraine will hold US-brokered talks on 17-18 February in Geneva, both countries have said, announcing the next leg in negotiations seeking to end the four-year war.

Moscow will be represented by Vladimir Medinsky, a Putin aide who has been criticized by the Ukrainians after previous negotiating sessions.

The EU's Kaja Kallas signals a tougher EU line on Russia in potential peace negotiations. Meanwhile, the Kremlin says it is ready for dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron. Follow DW for more.