There were also fears that Friday's meeting could result in the US and Russia imposing a peace deal on Ukraine against its will. Convincing Mr Trump to speak with Mr Zelensky in today's video-conference was seen as an important breakthrough, but Ukraine, the UK and other European nations remain frozen out of the key talks.

Donald Trump’s interventions over the Ukraine war have created a “viable” chance of a ceasefire but the UK stands ready to “increase pressure” on Russia if necessary, Sir Keir Starmer has said. In a call with allies on Wednesday,

Downing Street said the Prime Minister is 'absolutely focused' on a solution to the conflict - now in its third year - but insisted it must be 'grounded in Ukraine's national interests'