WASHINGTON—President Trump finds himself a “yes” away from brokering a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine. But it is Russian President Vladimir Putin who has to say it, and he is leaning in the other direction.

Here’s a quick look-back at Vladimir Putin’s press conference a short while ago, where he said he agreed fighting in Ukraine must end, but added that any plan must lead to “enduring peace”. Here’s what Putin told reporters earlier, where he also mentioned the “nuances” to any agreement.

The ball is now in Russia’s court. But Russia excels at grabbing the ball, pocketing it and debating the rules of the game before claiming the ball has in fact been stolen clean from them by the other team.