KIEV (AFP) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych on Wednesday announced a "truce" and the start of direct talks with the opposition after holding private talks with three anti-government leaders.

"Based on the results of the meeting, the sides announced a truce and the start of a negotiations process aimed at ending the bloodshed (and) stabilising the situation in the country for the benefit of civil peace," a statement posted on the president's website said after talks that included opposition leader Vitali Klitschko.