‘The world can force the Kremlin criminals to stop the killings – all that is needed is political will. I thank everyone who is helping.’

The attack comes after European leaders pressed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to work to end the war after 26 of Ukraine’s allies pledged to deploy troops as a ‘reassurance force’ for the war-torn country once the fighting ends.

Zelensky has said he is ready to meetPutin to negotiate a peace agreement,and has urged US President Donald Trump to impose punishing sanctions on Russia to push it to end the war.