Sochi, May 19 -- Following a two-hour-long call with US President Donald Trump on the potential of ceasefire talks with Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (local time) emphasised the need to identify the most effective pathways to "peace" amid the ongoing conflict.

The Russian President expressed optimism about the resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, describing them as a step in the right direction toward eliminating the root causes of the conflict.

"The holding of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine gives reason to believe that we are generally on the right track. I would like to note that, on the whole, Russia's position is clear. The main thing for us is to eliminate the root causes of this cri...