Russian forces pressed towards Ukraine’s capital Kyiv on Monday as Moscow said it was ready for talks with Ukrainian officials, marking a possible turning point in a conflict that has triggered unprecedented Western sanctions and sent shockwaves through global markets.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began by land, sea and air early on Thursday, has triggered an exodus of more than 500,000 refugees, according to the United Nations, and the biggest security crisis in Europe since World War Two.
The United States and its allies have responded with a barrage of sanctions on Russia, including measures targeting its central bank, designed to cripple its financial system and economy.
The measures have prompted fears of a recession in Russia but Western officials have said they are needed to stop President Vladimir Putin’s aggression.
Putin describes the invasion as a .
