Putin’s refusal to compromise on Ukraine, say analysts, is a colossal error costing Russia regional influence, lucrative energy markets and its place in the world.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country had proposed holding a meeting with Russia next week, more than a month after the previous round of direct talks, while the Kremlin hedged on a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Moscow continues to intensify its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities and analysts say the barrages are likely to escalate.