VLADIMIR PUTIN is preparing for an early Christmas. Within the hope of a swift normalisation of relations with America, the Kremlin has been asking Russian corporations which sanctions they want Uncle Sam to raise first. America, for its half, appears impatient to ship the items. Final week Steve Witkoff, a White Home envoy, stated that sanctions aid would come after a ceasefire is agreed in Ukraine—in different phrases, presumably earlier than a full peace deal is prepared. Mr Witkoff expects such a breakthrough inside a “couple of weeks”.