The Trump administration says it will soon be clear if Russia's Vladimir Putin really wants a peace deal in Ukraine, as France and Britain accuse him of playing for time.

The United States has acknowledged that the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine has been violated several times. However, Washington believes that the parties are closer to peace than before, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says during a press conference following a meeting of NATO ministers.

Brussels — Britain and France on Friday accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dragging his feet in ceasefire talks aimed at halting his country's invasion of Ukraine and demanded a swift response from Moscow after weeks of U.S. efforts to secure a truce.