Ukraine was fighting for control of the last pocket of territory it holds in Russia’s Kursk region on Monday night, as Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin prepared to announce details of a temporary ceasefire.

Mr Trump and Putin are due to speak on the phone on Tuesday after Washington and Moscow held behind-the-scenes talks over the weekend.

Ukrainian troops have been forced into a hasty retreat from southern Russia after Mr Trump froze weapons and intelligence-sharing, depriving Kyiv of a bargaining chip in peace negotiations.

On Monday night, Mr Trump was said to be considering recognising Crimea as part of Russia in what would amount to a gift to Putin.