VLADIMIR PUTIN “must think we were born yesterday” if he thinks Britain believes his forces are withdrawing from Kyiv, claimed Defence Secretary Ben Wallace last night.

According to the despot’s minions, he would “fundamentally reduce” military movements near Kiev in order to “establish confidence” in peace negotiations.

Experts believe the conversations in Turkey are only an attempt to salvage face after his military machine was forced to retreat in humiliation.

Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire, attended the discussions yesterday for the first time since it was disclosed he had been the victim of a possible chemical assault.

However, defence sources cautioned Friday night that Vladimir Putin’s plan to withdraw from the north of Ukraine might be a ruse to gain time for his damaged soldiers.

According to analysts, there are no early signs of movement, and Russian soldiers that have retreated appear to be burrowing into new defensive positions.

Meanwhile, Mr Wallace told The Sun from Bardufoss, Norway, where Britain was preparing to send planes to detect Putin’s Arctic submarines: “Russia must believe we were born yesterday.” Putin wishes to annihilate Ukraine. That’s what he said. He is forced to accept the fact that he has failed.

“I believe the Russians are searching for an exit, but they are attempting to disguise their position of weakness as a position of strength.”

“Judge Russia by its deeds, not its rhetoric, since there is a significant gap between the two.”

He stated that Britain had given “high velocity missiles,” which are presently in use on the battlefield.

And, given the effectiveness of weapons like the NLAW rocket against Russian armour, he warned that Britain would not acquire more tanks since they had proven susceptible. “There are lessons from this battle – very important, varied ones about whether we’ve got our investment balance in the correct place,” he continued.

“Over 2,000 Russian armoured vehicles have been destroyed in Ukraine.” “Handheld weapons systems have absorbed a lot of armour.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is hosting the peace negotiations in Istanbul’s Dolmabahce Palace.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was pictured smirking, although the billionaire seemed red-eyed after being momentarily blinded and left with skin peeling from his face earlier this month.

He appeared to be older than his 55 years and struggled to adjust headphones offering translation after taking his seat.

His function as Putin’s go-between is seen to be critical.

According to one interpretation, the poison attempt was intended to warn him and other billionaires not to go too close to Ukraine.

After taking his seat, he seemed to be older than his 55 years and fumbled to adjust headphones that provided translation.

His role as Putin’s go-between is seen as vital.

According to one view, the poisoning attempt was meant to warn him and other billionaires not to go too near to Ukraine.

Fears of additional poisoning prompted Ukrainian officials to advise its representatives not to eat, drink, or even touch anything at yesterday’s meetings.

Before meetings began, everyone was handed bottled water and cups with paper lids, and there were no handshakes.

Britain intends to hold a “donor meeting” at the end of the week in order to get more weaponry for Ukraine.

However, if peace negotiations proceed, it might pave the way for Putin and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, to meet face to face.

In exchange for security guarantees, he has directed his staff to seek Swiss-style neutrality and a vow not to join Nato.

The measures would also contain a 15-year consultation period on the status of annexed Crimea, but they would not be implemented until a complete cease-fire was confirmed.

Ukraine is also requesting that Russian soldiers retreat to their positions before the incursion on February 24.

However, Putin is still believed to be intent to conquer the beleaguered port city of Mariupol in order to acquire a land corridor connecting Donbas and Crimea. He would then fight in peace talks to keep the stolen area.

Ukrainians welcomed word of a withdrawal with scepticism last night, as Putin’s soldiers continued to pound the south and east, including Mariupol.