Vladimir Putin is open to discussing a ceasefire deal but rules out making any major territorial concessions and insists Kyiv abandon ambitions to join NATO, five sources told Reuters.

Overextended and exhausted, Ukrainian forces lack manpower and artillery against Russian forces willing to absorb staggering casualties.

The British embassy in Ukraine will remain open, with the UK Government saying it was continuing to monitor the situation in Kyiv. They added the safety of staff and British natio

Five current and former Russian officials said the Kremlin might agree to freeze the conflict along the front line. The sources also mentioned potential negotiations over the “division” of Donetsk, Luhansk,