Vladimir Putin has praised Donald Trump for US efforts to broker an end to the war with Ukraine, but a Kremlin insider has reportedly said there is "no chance" of an agreement anytime soon.
Three hours of talks with Trump's envoys
The Russian leader held more than three hours of talks with Trump's envoys, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, on Saturday.
Before the talks started, he praised Trump in a televised address, saying: "Understanding that he is entering a difficult situation, he nevertheless does not stop his efforts to help bring about a settlement and to make his contribution to resolving the Russian-Ukrainian conflict."
Kremlin insider doubts frontline deal
But it has emerged a person close to the Kremlin, speaking before reports emerged of the trip by Trump's envoys, said Putin was still intent on capturing more territory.
"There is no chance of reaching an agreement regarding the frontline until Putin finishes securing the remaining part of the Donetsk region," the person reportedly said, adding that the Kremlin leader was confident - based on reports from his commanders - that this would happen by the end of the year.
