Zelensky's top aide says Ukraine nearing a deal with Putin - report

(Sharecast News) - The Ukraine's top negotiator with Russia reportedly said on Friday that he sees progress towards a potential peace deal with the Kremlin. According to Bloomberg, he said a resolution to the war may not take long to achieve.

While negotiations to end Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War II have publicly yielded few results, Kyrylo Budanov expressed optimism that the talks are evolving toward a settlement, Bloomberg said.

It also reported that Ukraine's former top military spy believes Russia wants to stop the war.

The Bloomberg report came as Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter. The Kremlin said the ceasefire for Easter on Sunday would be effective from 4pm on 11 April to end of the day on 12 April.

"We proceed on the basis that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation," the ⁠Kremlin said.

European defence stocks slumped on the report, with Babcock, BAE Systems and Germany's Rheinmettal all sharply lower.

Going the other way, however, budget airline Wizz Air - which focuses on Central and Eastern Europe - shot up 10%.