Planned diplomatic talks on Wednesday have been scaled back, raising new doubts about progress toward a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.

High-level talks aimed at bringing a pause to fighting in Ukraine disintegrated Wednesday after Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff pulled out of the meeting, dealing a blow to Kyiv’s hopes for a short-term peace agreement.

Talks between the U.S., Ukraine and European officials to discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine faltered as Secretary of State Marco Rubio abruptly cancelled his trip to London.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to halt his invasion of Ukraine across the current front line as part of efforts to reach a peace deal with U.S. President Donald Trump, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday citing people familiar with the matter.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday Ukraine was ready for talks with Russia "in any format" once a ceasefire is set, while the Financial Times reported President Vladimir Putin had offered to halt Russia's invasion at the current front lines.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering a halt to his ongoing invasion of Ukraine as the U.S. is prepared to recognize Russia's prior annexation of Crimea as part of a peace deal. A potential deal would also include U.