European leaders are gathering in Brussels this morning to discuss Ukraine, defence and the Middle East

Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the progress made on Ukraine, but was growing frustrated with Russia’s “ifs and buts” on ceasefire, adding it was up to Moscow to “prove it” that it is serious about ending the conflict.

He also pointed to later talks in the UK with army chiefs and planners as an important part of discussions on how Europe can support any future peace agreement.