Vladimir Putin is pushing for a ceasefire that would freeze the conflict along current front lines — effectively locking in Russia’s territorial gains. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposal, insisting Kyiv will not accept any deal that legitimises the occupation of its land.

Talks to find a diplomatic breakthrough are taking place in London today, with diplomats and defence chiefs from the UK, US, Europe and Ukraine in attendance. Retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, is among those present, but not US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. British Defence Secretary John Healey said discussions would focus on what a long-term ceasefire might look like.

Kremlin officials claim the situation is too complex for rigid deadlines.

Mr Zelensky has authorised his delegation to discuss only an unconditional or partial ceasefire, saying that “after a ceasefire, we’re prepared to sit down for talks in any format".

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman said the ball was "in Russia’s court".

He added: “Now is the time for Putin to show he’s serious about peace."

US envoy Steve Witkoff is also expected to travel to Moscow for further discussions this week.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned that “the settlement issue is so complex that it would be wrong to put some tight limits to it and try to set some short time frame for a settlement, a viable settlement — it would be a thankless task.”

However, posting on X, Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun warned: "Some are now suggesting that Crimea be recognised as "Russian", as if a compromise to Putin could somehow end the war.

"Let's be clear: this is not diplomacy. This is capitulation dressed up as strategy.

"Legitimising the territories captured by Russia will not stop the bloodshed, it will only fuel it. Not only in Ukraine, but all over the world. It will send a message to every dictator: invade, kill, annex - and the world will watch it all."

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