The threats, pressure and ultimatums have come and gone, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained Moscow’s uncompromising demands in Ukraine, raising fears he could use a planned summit with U.

Across the Donetsk region, word of Steve Witkoff’s emerging deal with the Kremlin, confused in details, and immediately refused by Kyiv, has put lives already ravaged by war into a deeper spin.

Ukrainian forces are increasing the intensity of long-range drone strikes deep into Russia ahead of Friday's planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin.