Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy criticises own air force – as Kremlin responds to ‘assassination attempt’

The US is targeting an ambitious deadline for Russia and Ukraine to agree to a peace deal, according to a report.

Three sources have told Reuters that negotiators are eyeing a March goal for an agreement, but note that timeline is likely to slip if territory remains a sticking point.

Any deal would be submitted to a referendum by Ukrainian voters who would simultaneously vote in national elections, the sources added.

US negotiators have reportedly said Donald Trump is likely to focus on domestic affairs ahead of the November congressional midterms, with sources saying top US officials will have less time and political capital to spend on reaching an agreement.

Two of the sources said the possibility that the national election and referendum in Ukraine could take place in May.

However, several sources have told Reuters that the proposed US timeline is fanciful.

Under current conditions, Ukrainian authorities have projected that it would take around six months to organise an election.