Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters.

Russia said Wednesday attempts to resolve security issues relating to Ukraine without Moscow's participation were a "road to nowhere," and that much diplomatic work needs to be done before Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy are ever in the same room.

Ukraine struck a key Russian oil facility overnight “with US missiles” amid growing petrol queues and soaring prices in Vladimir Putin ’s country. It was the second strike in a week on the Druzhba oil pipeline to Europe, and footage showed it in flames.

Vladimir Putin is demanding that Ukraine give up all of the eastern Donbas region, renounce ambitions to join NATO, remain neutral and keep Western troops out of the country, three sources familiar with top-level Kremlin thinking told Reuters.

Ukrainian officials say more than 19,000 children have been unlawfully deported to Russia or occupied areas, with reports suggesting the number could be far higher.

Russia’s foreign minister has cast fresh doubt on peace talks, questioning “the legitimacy” of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to sign any future agreements after targetting a US factory in a large bombardment on Ukraine.

NATO war jets have been forced to scramble after Vladimir Putin unleashed a terrifying drone strike on Odesa. It comes as hopes of ending the gruelling conflict continue to falter after