A US-brokered ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was due to expire yesterday with both sides accusing each other of breaching the 72-hour arrangement, as American and European officials considered how they might steer the warring countries into further talks.

Ukrainian authorities said yesterday that Russian drones, bombs and artillery shelling struck civilian areas of the northeastern Kharkiv and southern Kherson regions, killing at least two people and wounding seven others, including a 14-year-old boy.

Russia’s Defence Ministry insisted the military has “strictly observed” the ceasefire and accused Ukraine of repeatedly violating the agreement.