Volodin said merely discussing a plot to assassinate Putin was path to nuclear war and that Carlson's comments should be investigated further. State news agency Tass reported that Russia's parliament will appeal to U.S. Congress and the U.N. to investigate the claims.

In the past, the Russian president said that any peace deal should respect the “realities on the ground”, hinting that Moscow wants to keep all the territories it currently occupies in Ukraine.

Despite the losses, Russian troops are making progress on the front, which is why Putin's negotiating position is strengthening. In his style, he tries to impose the conditions for starting talks, says Prof.