Kyiv has called on Moscow to respond to the proposed ceasefire, which it has agreed to, but the Kremlin says it will wait to be briefed by US officials.

The US president said an American team would hold talks with Russian officials on a possible ceasefire with Ukraine. Meanwhile, European defense ministers are gathering in Paris to discuss the war. DW has more.

Russia continually refuses to make concessions in peace negotiations with Ukraine, which could prolong the war and result in higher casualties.

The defence ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Poland met in Paris on Wednesday, promising concrete steps to boost European defence and provide security guarantees for Ukraine as Washington pursues rapprochement with Moscow.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials were to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for talks aimed at mending ties and gauging if Ukraine is willing to make concessions under President Donald Trump's push to end Russia's war with Ukraine swiftly.