Moscow, 29 Mar (Sky News)- Russia’s military has said it will “fundamentally cut back” operations near the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Chernihiv “to increase trust” in talks between the two countries.

It follows fresh peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials in Istanbul on Tuesday aimed at securing an end to fighting on the ground.

The move appears to be the first major concession the Russians have made since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24. However, it remains unclear whether Vladimir Putin’s forces will carry out the decision following repeated violations of agreed ceasefires this past month.

Russia’s deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin said the decision would help achieve the “ultimate goal” of a peace agreement between the two sides, in comments reported by Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Thousands of civilians have been killed since Mr Putin launched his invasion last month, with over 4 million people forced to flee the country. The Kremlin has failed to achieve its key objectives amid logistical issues, low morale and fierce Ukrainian resistance.