Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow hoped for more peace talks with Ukraine but that the momentum of the war was in its favour, signalling no shift in his stance despite a looming sanctions deadline from Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday attempted to shift responsibility onto Ukraine for the lack of progress in negotiations to end the war he launched over three years ago. Putin said he supported engaging in talks with Ukraine,

Despite President Trump’s demands that Russia halt attacks on Ukraine soon, Putin still believes time is on his side.