Russian forces, meanwhile, pounded four Ukrainian cities in nighttime attacks that officials said killed a child.

Melania Trump is the “quiet force” behind her husband’s apparent U-turn on Ukraine, the daughter of the president’s special envoy to Kyiv has said.

Donald Trump has been growing increasingly frustrated with Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a peace deal in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow's main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

Vladimir Putin is open to peace after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky suggested fresh ceasefire talks, Moscow said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian president was ready to negotiate, but that Russia remained committed to “achieving its goals”.

Britain and Germany are set to pledge new air defense systems for Ukraine as the UK government pushes for a “50-day drive” to arm Kyiv and bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table.

The chances of an end to hostilities in Ukraine are low, and the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin would not change this, a German military academic has told the Sunday edition of Vienna's Kurier newspaper.

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin is open to peace with Ukraine but his priority remains achieving Moscow’s goals, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said after US president Donald Trump issued his 50-day ultimatum for a ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants cease-fire negotiations next week and would be willing to meet directly and Russian President Vladimir Putin.