Leaders for warring sides in South Sudan’s month-long internal conflict have said they are close to signing a cease-fire.

An African official who is working to organise peace talks between warring parties in South Sudan said that direct talks between the sides have been delayed.

Rebels in South Sudan took control of nearly all of a strategic city, even as the government and fighters agreed to hold talks for the first time.

Fresh fighting has erupted in Bor, the contested capital of South Sudan’s Jonglei state, as rebels move to retake control from government troops.

Twenty-five thousand young men who make up a tribal militia known as the “White Army” are marching towards a contested state capital in South Sudan, an official has said, reducing hopes for a ceasefire.

Two US military aircraft responding to the outbreak of violence in South Sudan were hit by incoming fire, wounding three US service member, officials say.

Five UN peacekeepers from India and up to seven civilians have been killed by rebels in South Sudan.

Russia will be without captain Yegor Titov, midfielder Marat Izmailov and striker Dmitri Sytchev for next month's European Cup qualifier against Ireland.