Top European diplomats accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of undermining talks with Ukraine aimed at securing a halt to his war, though the US struck a more cautious tone ahead of a potential meeting in Turkey.

Mr Zelenskiy had goaded Mr Putin earlier this week by questioning if he was brave enough to show up. The Kremlin says Mr Putin – who is also under threat of even tighter European sanctions to “suffocate” Russia’s economy – does not respond to ultimatums.