Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban has called on the European Union to begin direct talks with Russia on ending the conflict in Ukraine, a move that highlights growing divisions within the bloc over its approach to the war.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Hungary's prime minister has urged the European Union to start direct discussions with Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine and drop plans for a joint declaration at an extraordinary EU summit next week, saying differences in the bloc "cannot be bridged".

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has written a letter to European Council President António Costa, demanding direct negotiations between the EU and Russia on a ceasefire in Ukraine. Orbán suggested blocking the adoption of the EU's conclusions regarding Ukraine,