The Russian president says Moscow's initial tough demands must be met, despite a looming US sanctions deadline.

Previous Trump promises, threats and cajoling have failed to yield results., and the stubborn diplomatic stalemate will be hard to clear away. Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing more territory on the front line, although there is no sign of a looming collapse of its defenses.

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