Putin wants direct White House talks before Ukraine ceasefire, but says he is open to deal in principle

Russian President

The U.S. immediately lifted its pause on sharing intelligence and military aid with Ukraine following its sign-up to the deal.

Analysts say that while Russia has incurred heavy losses on the battlefield, it is now advancing slowly but steadily in Ukraine, which has also been thrown into jeopardy by its souring relationship with the U.S.

Putin also said Thursday that if the U.S. and Russia struck an energy sector cooperation agreement then Russia could provide a gas pipeline for Europe, benefiting the Continent with cheaper energy prices, according to Reuters reporting.

European natural gas futures dated to April were 3.5% lower following his comments.