Russian forces will allow Kyiv residents to leave the city in the direction of the central town of Vasylkiv, officials in Moscow have said.

Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov, a spokesman for the defence ministry, made the offer while giving an update on the invasion to state TV.

"There will not be any obstacles from Russian military personnel for the exit of the civilian population," Maj Gen Konashenkov said in comments shown on rolling news channel Rossiya 24.

This is the second time Russia has offered a way for civilians to evacuate Kyiv. On Monday Maj Gen Konashenkov made the same offer, telling civilians the route towards Vasylkiv was "open and safe".

But Vasylkiv itself has come under heavy Russian shelling since the invasion began almost a week ago.