The United States had asked Ukraine not to strike Russia’s energy infrastructure, after which Russia launched a combined attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities in Kremenchuk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in his evening address.

A "two week" deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to see if Russia is serious about peace in Ukraine has been and gone, with Moscow's escalation of attacks on civilians during this period failing to draw the slightest condemnation from the White House.

After Ukraine’s drone strikes on Russian air bases, the two sides talked for less than an hour in Istanbul, and a halt to the fighting seems out of reach for now.

TRUMP: THEY GAVE PUTIN A REASON TO BOMB THE HELL OUT OF THEM’: As is President Donald Trump’s habit, when Ukraine takes action to strike back at Russia, Trump finds a way to accuse Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of undermining peace efforts by provoking the Russians.

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 12 praised Russia's role in World War II, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is "confused" why everyone "hates" Moscow. Speaking at a White House press conference,

WASHINGTON—President Trump said Russia and Ukraine might need to “keep fighting” before either side is ready for a cease-fire.Speaking in the Oval Office on Thursday alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz,

During a visit by the German leader, President Trump essentially threw up his hands, saying that there was nothing the United States could do right now to end the war.

Trump told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that Russia and Ukraine were fighting like children in a park and might not want to be pulled apart yet.

Iran conflict could open opportunities for Russia to possibly become a power broker to help end the confrontation.