That favours Russia. As his forces grind forward, Mr Putin insists that an agreement must be reached on the terms of a peace settlement before the guns fall silent. Ukraine, backed by European leaders, wants an immediate and unconditional 30-day ceasefire, followed by talks on a permanent settlement.

The call began just after 11 a.m. and ended just after 1 p.m. Over the course of the call, Putin assured Trump that Russia was ready to work toward a potential ceasefire, but Putin said both countries “would need to find compromises to suit all parties,