Broadcast and cable networks went to special reports on Monday as Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to journalists in the Oval Office in advance of talks of a peace deal to settle Ukraine ‘s war with Russia.

President Trump skirted delicate questions about whether Ukraine should cede territory that the country has defended at great cost, and referred to European leaders waiting in the White House as friends.

President Donald Trump is due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, along with a number of European leaders, in Washington D.C. later on Monday.

After leaving Alaska, Trump says he would prefer to "go directly to a peace agreement" to end the war in Ukraine as he prepares to meet Zelensky on Monday.

As Zelensky prepares for crucial talks in Washington, the shadow of Russia's demands looms large after Putin set the Donbas as his price for peace