KYIV — President Donald Trump on Sunday backed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s call for direct talks with Ukraine, breaking his administration’s agreement with European leaders announced less than 24 hours earlier.

President Trump on Sunday urged Ukraine to “immediately” meet with Russia for peace talks without first securing a cease-fire deal — just as Vladimir Putin has suggested.

Putin invited Kyiv to take part in "serious negotiations" aimed at "moving towards a lasting, strong peace" while speaking from the Kremlin on Sunday. He did not respond to the urge from the U.K. and European leaders to agree to an unconditional 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine starting on Monday.