Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers confirm talks to take place in Turkey

The initiative had been announced by Ankara on 7 March.

Ukrainian foreign minister, Dimitro Kuleba, welcomed the invitation to the meeting, even while emphasising that his opposite number, Sergei Lavrov, was one of the architect's of the Russian invasion, Spanish newswire Europa Press reported, citing Ukrinform.

"We need to preserve Ukrainian lives, our cities, but talking does not mean surrendering and, therefore, no one is surrendering," he reportedly said.

"We will listen to what Mr.Lavrov has to say and provide a decent response."

According to Kuleba, a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russia's military from Ukraine's territory are on the table and "the war must end".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zajarova, reportedly confirmed that the meeting would go ahead, "especially as it is a Turkish initiative and they are hosting it".

Lavrov was expected to fly to Antalya later on Wednesday.

For his part, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had asked Russian President, Vladimir Putin, "to build a path towards peace together".