Trump and Putin begin ceasefire proposal call

US President Donald Trump and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have begun a highly-anticipated call as the US administration looks to persuade the Russian leader to sign off on a 30-day ceasefire proposal as a possible pathway to end the war, the White House said.

Tuesday’s call comes after Ukrainian officials last week agreed to the American proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remains sceptical that Mr Putin is ready for peace as Russian forces continue to pound Ukraine.

Mr Trump, before the call, said he expected to discuss with Mr Putin land and power plants that have been seized during the three-year war.