Trump accused Zelensky of harming peace talks by not recognising Russian control of Crimea - a point of contention in bringing an end to the conflict. The Russian defence ministry claimed the deadly overnight strikes targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure, adding their aim had been "achieved".

The Russian general died in a car bombing in the Russian city of Balashikha on Friday, according to authorities, with news of the blast breaking just before US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Russian Foreign Minster Sergey Lavrov gave the strongest indication so far that the war in Ukraine could be coming to a peaceful conclusion, saying the Kremlin was "ready to reach a deal."