The Russian leader’s plan to overrun his western neighbour has stalled due to intense Ukrainian opposition. The progress of his troops on Kyiv has slowed, forcing the Kremlin to concentrate and rebalance its military effort. Moscow now claims that it will focus its military effort on “liberating” the Donbas and has begun redeploying soldiers and equipment to the country’s east.

The US Secretary of State couldn’t resist the urge to mock Putin for his rash decision to invade Ukraine.

“Ukraine, its sovereignty and independence, will be there a lot longer than Vladimir Putin will be on the scene,” Anthony Blinken told CNN on Sunday.

“The Russian military has significantly underperformed, its economy is bleeding, and the West, NATO, are more unified than at any moment in my memory,” Mr Blinken stated.

His remarks came after the Pentagon revealed it will deliver another $300 million in military help to Kiev.