US President Donald Trump has given Ukraine less than a week to accept his plan – widely seen as favoring Russia – to end the war, as President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country faced “one of the most difficult moments” in its history.

President Trump has repeatedly publicly criticized the Ukrainian leader, who has in turn attempted to smooth over tensions.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that after talks with a top US Army official, he is ready for "honest" work with the US on a plan to end the war in Ukraine, while European allies pushed back against punishing concessions to Russia.

The Ukrainian president’s options are narrowing as he is confronted with a 28-point proposal drafted by American and Russian envoys.

France's President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky Monday signed an accord for Kyiv to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets and other hardware, a boost for Ukraine