Volodin said merely discussing a plot to assassinate Putin was path to nuclear war and that Carlson's comments should be investigated further. State news agency Tass reported that Russia's parliament will appeal to U.S. Congress and the U.N. to investigate the claims.

Despite the losses, Russian troops are making progress on the front, and that's why Putin's negotiating position is strengthening. In his style, he tries to impose the conditions for starting talks, says Prof.