The Russian army has been given orders to broaden its military operation in Ukraine “from all directions”, after Kiev refused to hold talks in Belarus, Moscow’s defence ministry said in a statement.

“After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation’s plans”, Russian army spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

Russian units were given the order to resume their attacks from all directions after a pause on Friday, says ministry.

“Friday’s pause had been made in anticipation of talks between Moscow and Kiev but the military operation resumed after Ukraine refused to negotiate”, - adds the agency.