Russian leader Vladimir Putin says a direct clash between NATO and Russian troops would lead to a 'global catastrophe', adding that he sees no need to carry out massive strikes against Ukraine... 'for now'.

The Daily Mail reports Putin also said the recent military mobilisation he ordered is coming to an end, and he has no plans for further conscriptions once it has finished.

He also repeated the Kremlin position that Russia was willing to hold talks, although he said they would require international mediation if Ukraine was willing to take part.

The Mail reported Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko  said Russian troops would soon be arriving to take part in a 'regional grouping' of forces to protect its borders.

'The introduction of troops into a direct confrontation with the Russian army is a very dangerous step that could lead to a global catastrophe,' Putin told reporters. 'I hope that those who speak of this have enough sense not to take such steps.'

The website reported Putin saying he currently saw no need for 'massive strikes' on Ukraine now having hit their intended targets earlier in the week - but that could change in the future - and insisted that it was not his goal to destroy Ukraine.

'There is no need now for massive strikes. There are other tasks. For now. And then it will be clear,' he said, adding: 'We do not set ourselves the task of destroying Ukraine. No, of course not,' Putin said.

Read the full report here.