Despite a recent, more aggressive peace overture from President Trump, Vladimir Putin is doubling down on his disastrous war in Ukraine, signaling a commitment driven by “emotional obstinacy.” -The Kremlin has not only rejected generous Western concessions but has also launched a bizarre propaganda attack against Melania Trump.

Vladimir Putin is open to peace after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky suggested fresh ceasefire talks, Moscow said. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian president was ready to negotiate, but that Russia remained committed to “achieving its goals”.

Russia and Ukraine appear close to agreeing to hold a new round of peace talks in Turkey this week, although the Kremlin said on Monday that the two sides held "diametrically opposed" positions on how to end the war.