Russia is demanding more Ukrainian territory than it currently holds at the peace talks with the US in Saudi Arabia, it has been reported. 

The Moscow delegation is seeking to gain complete control of four Ukrainian regions - Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson - people familiar with the Kremlin’s thinking told The Moscow Times.

Russia does not fully control any of these regions, yet the government sources said the Kremlin hopes Washington will pressure Kyiv to withdraw all its troops from the areas.

Their high-level talks on Monday ended after 12 hours, with the Kremlin warning it was “just beginning” and that “difficult negotiations” lay ahead.

The US, meanwhile, was optimistic that the summit could help achieve a “full-on” ceasefire. A statement from both parties is expected at around 8am GMT.

Further talks between Kyiv and Washington are due to take place today in Riyadh after Ukraine accused Russia of making “hollow statements about peace” while bombing its cities.