...Ukraine "is not showing a serious attitude toward finding mutually acceptable solutions" in talks with Moscow on ending the fighting.

In a brief statement on the leaders' phone conversation Tuesday, the Kremlin said they also discussed the military operation and humanitarian-relief measures.

Separately, Russia also told the European Council that it was pulling out, an outcome which was largely expected.

In response, Michel tweeted that he "called for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russia's military" and that he "discussed ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and Russia" noting that "protection of civilian lives is an absolute priority."

In kneejerk response to this latest confirmation that any compromise in Ukraine is a long way away, US equities which had rallied as much as 1.6% since the start of trading retraced some of gains...