Has Ukraine called Putin’s bluff?

Last night there was a huge breakthrough in Ukraine peace talks, with Zelensky accepting a US proposal for a ceasefire and placing ‘the ball in Putin’s court’, according to Marco Rubio. While getting Zelensky to accept is a huge diplomatic win, the proposal hinges on Putin agree to the terms of the ceasefire – which will last for 30 days but can be extended by mutual agreement. ‘I’ll talk to Vladimir Putin. It takes two to tango,’ said Donald Trump. Can Putin afford to reject the deal? And could this be the basis for a lasting peace?

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has been getting a lot of credit for his role in the Ukraine peace process and the perception that he has stepped up to meet the crisis. How instrumental was the UK in bringing about the ceasefire, or is this Trump’s deal? And how does the news that the UK won’t get an exemption from the president’s 25 per cent tariffs on steel undermine the US–UK relationship?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Mark Galeotti, head of the Mayak Intelligence consultancy.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.