Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed holding “direct talks” with Kyiv, a move welcomed by his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky although he stressed that Moscow must agree to a ceasefire first.

President Trump "wants to see a permanent ceasefire first, to stop the killing, stop the bloodshed," press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has spoken out against the White House's stance on the war in Ukraine, saying its actions have "only emboldened Russia" despite efforts to bring about a ceasefire.