Russian President Vladimir Putin said the capture of the key Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk would enable the military to proceed with its tasks in its offensive operations in Ukraine, according to Russian news agencies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged U.S. proposals to end the war in Ukraine as a starting point for talks.

Ahead of the key meeting, Russia professed fresh military victories, hammering home its claim that it can succeed in the war without negotiations if it wants.

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin met with President Donald Trump ’s special envoy tasked with negotiating an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as his son-in-law, for a "constructive" five-hour meeting Tuesday, but more work needs to be done, Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy adviser to Putin, said in a video the Kremlin posted online.

Putin also claimed that Zelensky’s European allies have pushed for demands that are “absolutely unacceptable."

Russia declared one of its biggest wins of the war as commanders told President Vladimir Putin that Russian forces had captured the frontline towns of Pokrovsk and Vovchansk and were advancing on multiple axes.

Putin's trip is anticipated to speed up defence agreements centered around air defense systems, fighter aircraft, and missile technologies,' an analyst said.

The Trump administration, which crippled Russia’s oil sales to India with sanctions, will be watching Mr. Putin’s talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.