This would make Goldman Sachs one of the few Western banks to fully exit Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin has authorised Armenian investment fund Balchug Capital's purchase of Goldman Sachs' unit in Russia, a government decree published on Friday showed, potentially paving the way for the U.

In an interview with Russian state television, Vladimir Putin declared his willingness to negotiate peace with Ukraine. However, the Russian head of state rejected direct talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyi.

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.