Despite huge numbers of casualties, Russian leader believes he is slowly winning war – so he can afford to string talks out

Conflicting reports emerged, with a Kremlin adviser calling it a ‘gift’ to Putin and Trump, while a Ukrainian officer calls the front line ‘chaotic’.

Despite huge numbers of casualties, Russian leader believes he is slowly winning war – so he can afford to string talks out

Face-to-face talks may make some gains, but even the White House has sought to lower expectations since Ukraine’s Zelensky will not be there.