The former US ambassador to Russia has told the BBC what it's like trying to negotiate with the Kremlin and why President Vladimir Putin won't give up easily in Ukraine.
John Sullivan was America's man in Moscow in the run-up to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The former US ambassador is the one who had conversations with Russian officials about trying to prevent a war, but "there was no engagement", he said.
"They demanded security guarantees for Russia but wouldn't talk constructively about security for Ukraine. They never moved beyond their talking points… it was a charade." ufax369