Ukrainian President Zelensky has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to agree to a ceasefire after talks with European leaders via video. The ongoing consultations are under the leadership of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer who is gathering together a 'coalition of the willing' to defend Ukraine.

"We talked about who would delay peace and slow everything down – and now we see it clearly. A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it," said Zelensky. He then blasted Putin as a 'liar' who is thwarting peace, and also deceiving the public on battlefield gains and the situation in Kursk.

"Putin is also lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated. In reality, everything can be controlled, and we have discussed this with the Americans," he added. Zelensky called on his Western backers to "define a clear position on security guarantees." He wants the Western nations to base soldiers in Ukraine - even as Ukraine forces' losses pile up in Donetsk and on various front lines.