Russian President Vladimir Putin is a firm supporter of resolving the conflict in Ukraine through negotiations. Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov announced this at Monday's press briefing, a few hours after the massive rocket attack on several Ukrainian cities, which killed at least 20 people and became one of the bloodiest at least since the beginning of the year.

"Putin is a firm supporter of prioritizing political-diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Ukrainian conflict," Peskov said, adding that Moscow "never refused negotiations", reports Interfax.

"We [i.e. Russia] are in favor of negotiations with the participation of all interested parties," said Peskov.

He noted that the Kremlin supports Turkey's plan to create a "peace platform" regarding Ukraine, adding, however, that "so far there is no such platform."