How Russia's gradual gains in the face of fierce Ukrainian opposition have affected the front line in recent months.

For most of his quarter-century rule, President Vladimir Putin visited places like Paris, London, Vienna and New York.

Either in the direction of increasing pressure on Russia, or that Russia realizes of its own accord that this war cannot go on,” he continued. In addition, European officials pushed Washington to use its economic leverage to enforce any ceasefire with strict consequences for Moscow,