Volodymyr Zelensky finds himself in an impossible bind: risk Donald Trump's wrath or accept a quick deal to end Russia's war in Ukraine by paying the disastrous price of ceding territory for vague security guarantees.

German newspaper reports that European leaders must wait until Trump and Zelensky conclude their sit-down in the White House before discussing their own thoughts on the peace process over lunch.

European and NATO leaders announced Sunday that they will joining President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington for crucial talks with President Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will return to the Oval Office on Tuesday (NZ time) for the first time since a spectacularly tense exchange with Donald Trump resulted in their talks being cut short and raised questions over future US support.

European leaders will try and help Ukraine’s president at the White House by convincing Trump to get off the dangerous path laid out for him by Vladimir Putin.

Russian commanders are reportedly forcing troops to risk their lives in suicidal flag-painting missions, sending small groups to the frontline villages to raise the Russian flag.