A dark cloud was cast on Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine on Friday because Russia sent only low-ranking officials to the talks; therefore, Nato officials concluded that Russia was not ready for the ceasefire and planned to increase further sanctions against Russia.

The Russian president was absent from the talks contrary to the expectations of Nato members.

Putin has not been supportive of the unconditional ceasefire. And his position had been deemed unacceptable by the European leaders who have been aligning their positions with that of American leader Donald Trump. 

Ukraine and Russian delegates, however, agreed on the exchange of prisoners of war.

Meanwhile, the Europeans have agreed with Zelenskyy to continue to look for the possibility of bringing Moscow and Kyiv back to the dialogue table and remain united in their position to continue to support Ukraine.

Ukraine's leader had called for a strong response to Moscow after the US leader expressed frustration over the Russian position on peaceful settlement and may be willing to align with Zelenskyy's position, given the current closer relationship between the two countries over the mineral resources exploitation deal.