Despite the losses, Russian troops are making progress on the front, which is why Putin's negotiating position is strengthening. In his style, he tries to impose the conditions for starting talks, says Prof.

In an interview with Russian state television, Vladimir Putin declared his willingness to negotiate peace with Ukraine. However, the Russian head of state rejected direct talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Vladimir Putin of being “afraid” to engage in peace talks after his Russian counterpart claimed Kyiv’s government was illegitimate and not worthy to negotiate with.