Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning to Vladimir Putin following the Russian leader’s two-hour call with Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the call with Putin on Monday (19 May) went “very well” and the conditions of the ceasefire would be “negotiated between the two parties”.

Putin had earlier called for "direct talks" with Ukraine on 15 May in Istanbul, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv is "ready to meet" and expects Moscow to "confirm a ceasefire – full, lasting, and reliable", starting on 12 May.

Russia, continuing its slow but steady military advance, remains deeply sceptical of a temporary ceasefire, fearing it could give Ukraine the opportunity to rearm and reorganise. Moscow has insisted that specific terms must be formalised before any such truce can take effect.