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

By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Moscow hoped for more peace talks with Ukraine but that the momentum of the war was in its favour, signalling no shift in his stance despite a looming sanctions deadline from Washington.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled no shift in his stance on Ukraine, despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump warned he would impose new sanctions on Russia and its energy buyers if Putin does not move to end the war by August 8.