VLADIMIR PUTIN is getting ready for an early Christmas. In the hope of a swift normalisation of relations with America, the Kremlin has been asking Russian firms which sanctions they would like Uncle Sam to lift first. America, for its part, seems impatient to deliver the gifts. Last week Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, said that sanctions relief would come after a ceasefire is agreed in Ukraine—in other words, possibly before a full peace deal is ready. Mr Witkoff expects such a breakthrough within a “couple of weeks”.