Ukrainians believe Putin is "laughing at Trump in front of the whole world" after he sidestepped peace talks, leaving hopes for a ceasefire hanging by a thread.

Vladimir Medinsky, the head of Russia's delegation at peace talks on Ukraine in Turkey, said on Thursday that Moscow's aim was to secure a long-lasting peace with Kyiv by looking for common ground and removing the reasons for the conflict.

Zelensky sends defence minister to Istanbul talks but says Putin 'not serious' about peace in Ukraine - Russian President accused of ‘lack of respect’ after failing to attend the talks himself and sen