Ukraine war: Russia says there has been 'substantial progress' in peace talks and 'joint position' could be reached soon

A Russian delegate involved in peace negotiations with Ukraine has said the talks have made "substantial progress" and a "joint position" could be reached soon, the state-controlled Russian news agency RIA has reported.

Leonid Slutsky added the delegations could soon reach draft agreements.

Mr Slutsky said: "According to my personal expectations, this progress may grow in the coming days into a joint position of both delegations, into documents for signing."

The development comes after Ukrainian negotiator and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak also said on Sunday that he thought progress could be made in the negotiations in the coming days.