But considerable distance remains between the positions of Ukraine, Russia and America, as well as doubts about Mr Putin’s real intentions. For now his bombardments continue. The shape of the peace deal the three countries are working on is hard to pin down.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter flew to Washington on Tuesday to seek talks with the Trump administration over the steep 39% tariff imposed on Switzerland. But Keller-Sutter was only able to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, not with any of the primary tariff negotiators.

President Donald Trump says he would meet with Vladimir Putin even if the Russian leader won’t meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.