Moscow has said it will not entertain negotiations over its territory in talks with the US and Ukraine. For Putin and his government, Crimea is Russian. It is an important strategic hub, hosting both naval and submarine bases crucial for the country’s presence in the Black Sea.

Germany's defence minister has warned Ukraine not to agree to a deal which involves sweeping territorial concessions in return for a ceasefire with Russia. Boris Pistorius said Ukraine "should not go as far as the latest proposal by the American president", which he said would amount to a "capitulation".

MORRISTOWN, New Jersey (Reuters) -President Donald Trump urged Russia on Sunday to stop its attacks in Ukraine and suggested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was ready to give up Crimea as the price of a peace deal with Russia.