Putin called for “interim governance” in Ukraine under the auspices of the United Nations, which would essentially push out Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The president threatened secondary tariffs on Russian oil if he believes Moscow is getting in the way of ending the war

They pushed him to hold elections in the middle of the war, believing no doubt that Ukrainian voters would do them the favour of unseating him. Two months ago Mr Zelensky was believed to be dead set against holding a vote.

Russia is one of the world’s three largest oil producers, meaning any attempt to punish purchases of Russian supplies could have a far-reaching effect on the oil market.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb said on Sunday he had told U.S. President Donald Trump that a deadline needs to be set for establishing a Ukraine ceasefire in order to make it happen.

Europe is seeking to retain its leverage as President Donald Trump moves to strike a deal with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine. But some of Russia’s key demands — including sanctions relief and the end of military aid to Ukraine — require European buy-in.

Ukrainian forces have responded to Russian efforts to expel them from one part of Russian territory by launching a large number of attacks on another border area, using drones, artillery and troops.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Ukraine expected a strong response from Western countries to the nearly daily Russian drone attacks on its territory. Within an hour of Zelenskiy's comments,

This is the result of peace negotiations with Putin,” said one Ukrainian, after a Russian attack in Dnipro killed four people and injured more than 20 on Saturday.