Russian armed forces are creating a “security buffer zone” along the border between Russia and Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

The talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul and Putin's subsequent statements do not show that Moscow is ready to end the war. At the same time, Trump is still not going to impose new sanctions against it,

President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's Kursk region for the first time since Moscow said that it drove out Ukrainian forces from the area last month, the Kremlin said Wednesday. Putin visited the region bordering Ukraine the previous day,

The 1998 crisis worsened the situation, as a global recession and falling commodity prices led to fiscal imbalances and doubts about Russia’s ability to service its debt and uphold the fixed exchange rate. The central bank raised interest rates to 150% to try and stabilise the rouble, but this failed.

Vladimir Putin has visited Kursk for the first time since claiming to have completely retaken the Russian region from Ukrainian forces, state media reported on Wednesday, as the Russian president attempts to repel international pressure to agree to a 30-day ceasefire on the other side of the border.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune warned President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that if he does not "make a serious proposal for an immediate ceasefire" with Ukraine, the Senate will pass new sanctions against the Russian government.

The Russian leader traveled to the region in the west of the country where a surprise incursion last year embarrassed Moscow.

Western leaders warn Putin is buying time as U.K. and EU announce sanctions targeting Russia's military, energy, and illegal oil transport amid ongoing Ukraine conflict.

In the heart of Moscow, the Kremlin's defenses are being tested like never before, as Ukraine punishes Putin for dismissing ceasefire negotiations.