European capitals have launched a flurry of diplomatic efforts to maintain pressure on Russia and convince US President Donald Trump’s administration not to walk away from Ukraine peace talks. Multiple calls and meetings took place on Tuesday between European and Ukrainian leaders and senior security officials following Monday’s phone call between Trump and Vladimir Putin in which the US president signalled he would leave Russia and Ukraine to settle among themselves the terms for ending the war.

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius on Tuesday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of not really being interested in peace in Ukraine, saying he was only playing for time in talks with the United States.