Russia said on Saturday that fighting had been taking place in four regions of Ukraine despite this week's unilateral ceasefire by Moscow, saying its troops had been forced to respond to Ukrainian attacks.

For about 30 hours, the illusion of transatlantic unity over Ukraine was maintained. But US President Donald Trump’s response to a proposal from Russia’s Vladimir Putin shattered that.

The attacks came a day before a Russian-proposed cease-fire was to take effect and as Moscow prepared to welcome foreign dignitaries for a parade.

Ukrainian drones targeted Moscow for the second consecutive night on Monday, as the Russian capital prepared for Victory Day celebrations.

The leader of a British-based Russian spy ring which prosecutors said carried out surveillance for the Kremlin was sentenced in a London court on Monday to nearly 11 years in jail, as his five team members were jailed for a total of about 40 years.

The spies conducted surveillance for the Russians, targeting journalists, diplomats and dissidents in Britain, Austria, Spain and Montenegro, prosecutors said.

Moscow has hit back at Europe 's 30-day ceasefire ultimatum as “unacceptable” and “unsuitable” following Western threats of sanctions. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said it was wrong to “use such language with Russia ” as Europe ’s deadline for Russia to agree to a truce with Ukraine got closer.