But considerable distance remains between the positions of Ukraine, Russia and America, as well as doubts about Mr Putin’s real intentions. For now his bombardments continue. The shape of the peace deal the three countries are working on is hard to pin down.

A summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Trump could be happening as soon as next week, as Washington seeks to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.

"Though that may not be enough to compel Putin to seek peace, it does suggest that the walls are closing in on him."

Trump will meet Putin in Alaska to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. But Zelensky has objected to being left out.

Secondary tariffs would hurt Russia, the world's second leading oil exporter. The West has pressured Russia since late 2022 with a price cap on its oil exports, intended to erode

US President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that more punishment was coming for countries buying Russian energy products after slapping a 25% tariff on India that is supposed to go into effect Thursday.

President Donald Trump has jeopardised decades of American efforts to bring India away from Russia and China, his former aide John Bolton has said, pointing to the hefty tariffs that the US has imposed on India for buying Russian oil.