Russia’s stalling contrasted with Trump’s rush for a valuable breakthrough as his trade policies set off stock market slumps and cast a cloud over the economy. “I think we’re going to be in very good shape to get it done. We want to get it over with,” Trump said at the Oval Office on Thursday, in an outburst of optimism that jarred with reality.

Zelensky's comments come after Putin agreed fighting must end but any plan must remove the "underlying causes of this crisis".

The comments signal there will be tough negotiations ahead that could frustrate President Donald Trump’s hope for a swift peace deal.