Trump describes call as ‘excellent,’ despite Putin’s lack of support for ceasefire that US said was primary objective

• Trump says Russia-Ukraine ceasefire discussions to start immediately but Kremlin denies timeline for talks – live

Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump have held a rare phone call, which the US leader described as “excellent,” but the Kremlin refused to agree to a ceasefire in the war with Ukraine, despite pressure from Washington and European allies.

Speaking to reporters in Sochi after the two-hour conversation on Monday, Putin described the call as “very meaningful and frank,” and said he was prepared to work with Ukraine on drafting a memorandum for future peace talks.