Russia's president Vladimir Putin said yesterday he was ready to work with Europe on solving the crisis in Chechnya, signalling a departure from Moscow's traditional hostility to external involvement in the troubled north Caucasus region. At the same time Mr Putin said that Russia was ready to work with Viktor Yushchenko, the Ukrainian opposition leader, if he wins the presidential election rerun on Sunday.

His comments were part of a broader charm offensive, with a separate announcement that Moscow would make early repayments next year of its debt to the Paris Club of creditors.