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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with Newsmax, said that a warm dialogue between the US and Russia will not stop President Vladimir Putin. Strong sanctions are needed for that.

A clip of Donald Trump speaking about World War II has gone viral, with many questioning whether he claimed Vladimir Putin fought in the war. The president recalled a conversation with Putin, saying “he did fight,

Trump, who turned 79, said: "President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday, but to more importantly, talk about Iran."

The president told me he was optimistic about ending foreign wars—then he ended our conversation to take a call from Putin.

Donald Trump has sent Vladimir Putin a stark message after the two leaders spoke for nearly 50 minutes on the phone on Saturday. The US and Russian Presidents discussed Israel 's strikes on Iran, and the possibility of reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

Gen. Dan Caine’s comments in Senate testimony were restrained but significant, perhaps allaying lawmakers’ fears he would bow to political pressure.