The crucial fight being slugged out between Russia, Ukraine and their allies is for the ear of US President Donald Trump, who seems increasingly frustrated with efforts to broker peace.

Trump took to social media to praise the call as having gone "very well" and said, "Russia and Ukraine will immediately start negotiations toward a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War....

Russia's prosecutor general said on Monday it had banned human rights group Amnesty International Limited as an "undesirable organisation", accusing it of backing Ukraine against Russia.