The United States has pulled out of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia after Vladimir Putin declined to sign up to a ceasefire. The State Department confirmed it will no longer “fly around the world at the drop of a hat” for meetings.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he thinks President Vladimir Putin wants to stop Russia's war in Ukraine, despite recent attacks against the beleaguered nation.

The minerals deal, signed on Wednesday, will give the US privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine's natural resources - including aluminium, graphite, oil and natural gas