Vladimir Putin says "special operation" can be stopped only if Kiev stops fighting and complies with Russia's demands

"A special operation to protect Donbas" can be stopped only if Kyiv stops fighting and complies with Russia's demands, Vladimir Putin said in a conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness for dialogue with the Ukrainian authorities and foreign partners to resolve the conflict," the Kremlin press service said.

Vladimir Putin expressed hope that the Ukrainian negotiators, at the next round of negotiations, "will reveal a more constructive approach that fully takes into account the new reality."

"At the same time, the Russian armed forces are doing their best to save lives and ensure the security of the civilian population. Precise strikes are carried out only on military infrastructure," Putin said.