Putin Holds Combative Press Conference, Admits Higher Losses While EU Offers Ukraine Membership Talks
• Putin held first press conference since launching invasion, threatening "peace in Ukraine" only when Russia's aims are achieved
• Questions critical of war beamed on screen in apparent mistake; Putin admits Russian losses far higher than Kremlin claimed
• EU leaders unexpectedly agree to open membership talks with Ukraine, boost for Kyiv as Biden struggles to get aid package through Congress
• Putin raises prospect of prisoner swap to free detained American journalist Evan Gershkovich
• Putin appeared lost for words when confronted with AI-generated double, recurring speculation he uses body doubles over alleged health issues