Putin’s refusal to compromise on Ukraine, say analysts, is a colossal error costing Russia regional influence, lucrative energy markets and its place in the world.

Peskov also addressed recent comments by US President Donald Trump, noting that the world has grown accustomed to his sometimes “harsh” rhetoric.

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she believes “this last week was a turning point” in the U.S. and European stance toward Ukraine and Russia.

President Vladimir Putin believes Russia's economy and its military are strong enough to weather any additional Western measures, sources said.

US President Donald Trump’s 50-day pause ahead of possible secondary sanctions on Russia gifts the Kremlin a window to exploit the incremental gains of recent weeks in Ukraine’s east.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to move toward a peace settlement for Ukraine but Moscow’s main objective is to achieve its goals, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told state television in a clip published on Sunday.

A face-to-face meeting between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders is needed "to truly ensure a lasting peace," Zelensky said late on Saturday.

The chances of an end to hostilities in Ukraine are low, and the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin would not change this, a German military academic has told the Sunday edition of Vienna's Kurier newspaper.