Before Putin's announcement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held new talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, having declared that this will be a crucial week in a US decision on whether to halt its peace efforts.
UAE leads humanitarian efforts in Gaza, seeks truce
"The Gulf country will continue its efforts to achieve peace through tangible steps and a roadmap for a two-state solution. This solution envisions an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and negotiated between the two parties with full international backing," he adds.
Chad rebels pull out of peace talks with military government
A host of Chadian rebel and political groups on Saturday withdrew from talks with the African nation's military government, accusing it of seeking to destabilize peace efforts.
