Nearly three years after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, his troops are making steady progress on the battlefield. Kyiv is grappling with shortages of men and weapons. And a new U.S. president could soon halt Ukraine’s massive supply of military aid. Russian and Western analysts say Putin is closer than ever to achieving his objectives in the battle-weary country, with little incentive to come to the negotiating table, no matter how much U.S. President Donald Trump might cajole or threaten him. Both are signaling their readiness for discussions on Ukraine -– by phone or in person -– using a combination of flattery and threats.