M16 chief says Putin 'is stringing us along'

BRITISH spy chief Sir Richard Moore has warned there is “absolutely no evidence” Vladimir Putin wants to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.

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The head of MI6, who will step down in September after five years, used an outgoing speech to say the Russian president is “stringing us along” amid faltering efforts to broker a truce.

A peace deal appears no closer despite months of US-led talks, and Donald Trump's ultimatums and deadlines for Mr Putin to engage with proposals have passed without obvious consequences.

Speaking at the British consulate in Istanbul, Sir Richard said there was “absolutely no evidence” that the Russian leader wants to settle the conflict as he seeks to “impose his imperial will by all means at his disposal”.