This was the first time Vladimir Putin has commented on the latest US peace proposal. Will Russia agree? Is a deal close? It didn't sound like it.

There was plenty of conciliatory language at the start of his press conference which was designed to show a willingness to reach an agreement.

Donald Trump 's plan can provide "the basis for future agreements", he said. Russia is ready for "serious" discussions. He even expressed a willingness to discuss European security.

But "discuss" doesn't mean "agree", and it certainly doesn't mean "compromise".

And as the questions grew more specific, and the focus turned to the various sticking points in a peace deal, the Kremlin leader's language hardened, revealing a familiar theme.

On the most contentious point of territory, he described recogn

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