Putin has said repeatedly that he is prepared to negotiate an end to the war, which first began in 2014, but that Ukraine would have to accept the reality of Russian territorial gains, which are currently about 20% of its land. He also refuses to accept Ukraine joining Nato, the military alliance of Western countries.

First, he promised to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine “on day one”. Then, after being elected President of the United States, he said it would take “six months”.

Although Trump has abandoned his plan to end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours, he still wishes to cease hostilities on the front as swiftly as possible. The media have obtained a plan suggesting that Easter could conclude everything.