The United States' House Intelligence Committee had found that the country's intelligence community didn't have any direct information that Vladimir Putin wanted to help Donald Trump get elected as the president in 2016.

Ex-CIA director pushed 'implausible' intel linking Putin to Donald Trump's election: Report

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on 30 April that Russia could expand its war effort to World War II levels, claiming that “millions” of civilians are now backing the military by donating supplies and gear.

'Total mobilisation': Putin preparing for world war? Ukraine flags Russia's $1.1 trillion rearmament plan

The US senator's response came amid intensifying US rhetoric against the country perceived to be financially backing Russia during its war against Ukraine. His stand reflected a broader push from Republican leaders urging America's allies and trade partners to economically isolate Moscow.

‘We’ll crush your economy if...’: US Senator Lindsey Graham warns India, China and Brazil against buying Russian oil

The last two rounds of negotiations, held in Istanbul, did not lead to any breakthroughs. Instead of reaching a ceasefire, both sides agreed to carry out prisoner exchanges and return the bodies of fallen soldiers.

Zelensky ready for direct talks with Putin? Ukraine proposes fresh peace talks amid massive Russian strikes

Trump allegedly asked if Zelensky could strike deep inside Russia, if given weapons to do so.

This comes after Trump voiced frustration with Putin's lacklustre peace efforts.

On Monday, Trump approved a weapons deal for Ukraine via NATO.

‘Volodymyr, can you hit Moscow?’: Trump asked Zelensky about deep strikes inside Russia to ‘make them feel pain’ — Here’s how Zelensky responded

Trump’s warning to Russia came during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. During the meeting, Trump also announced a weapons deal with NATO countries.

‘I tell the First Lady, I spoke to Vladimir’: Trump complains Putin’s ‘lovely’ calls often end with missile strikes

Trump has started criticising Vladimir Putin more openly, calling his past charm “meaningless”. But critics warn not to expect a policy shift. Trump’s frustration is growing.

Trump to announce ‘major’ Russia move tomorrow: What's next for Kyiv and Moscow?

Donald Trump, who pledged to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, is now more than four months into his term without any breakthrough. Rubio admitted that Trump is “disappointed and frustrated that there’s not been more flexibility on the Russian side” to end the war.

Trump frustrated with Putin as Ukraine war drags on - Will he send weapons, tighten sanctions, or walk away? | Explained

 Trump, while talking to reporters aboard Air Force One, said, “It's a very tough situation. I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. He wants to go all the way; just keep killing people, it's no good.” He also hinted that Moscow may face tough US sanctions.

‘Very unhappy’: Trump says Putin wants to 'just keep killing people,' hints at tough US sanctions

Pressure on the aggressor is needed Zelensky urges US support after Russia launches biggest aerial attack

'Pressure on the aggressor is needed': Zelensky urges US support after Russia launches 'biggest aerial attack'

Russia is ready for new round of talks in Istanbul, says Putin 

As per reports in Putin's stead, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would attend the BRICS Summit which is scheduled to happen on July 6-7 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 

Kremlin confirms Putin won’t travel to Brazil for BRICS, cites ICC arrest risk

This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks suggesting he did not “rule out” his forces taking control of Ukraine's northeastern city of Sumy as part of efforts to create a buffer zone along the border.

Zelensky says Russia ‘not in the mood for a ceasefire’, warns ‘Ayatollah Putin’ of ending up in ‘decay’

The Russian president is in contact with Israel and Iran to end the bloodshed, saying that he believed that there was a diplomatic solution to the crisis. 

Putin the peacemaker? Russian president in talks with Israel, Iran to end bloodshed after Trump's two weeks deadline

‘I do not rule it out’: Putin hints at taking Ukrainian city Sumy three years after Ukraine forced them out of region

Zelensky said that the deployment of Iranian-designed Shahed drones and North Korean munitions by Russia was evidence that Kyiv’s allies were not applying enough pressure against Putin.

‘Global pressure not strong enough’: Zelensky pushes for intensified sanctions on Russia over Iran’s defence

In a televised late-night press conference, the Russian president stressed that "We do not see any NATO rearmament as a threat to the Russian Federation." He added that this was "because we are self-sufficient in terms of ensuring our own security."

Not a 'threat'? Putin downplays NATO rearmament push — after using it as justification to invade Ukraine for three years

Putin said that Israeli strikes on Tehran have led to a “consolidation” of Iranian society around its leadership.

‘Solution can be found’: Putin says Israel-Iran deal can end conflict

He added that any settlement to end the Ukraine conflict would require to prevent fighting from resuming in the long term.

‘We need to find a solution’: Putin says ready to meet Zelensky but only in ‘final phase’ of talks

Trump’s comments come just days after he suggested he was open to the idea of Putin mediating between the two countries. 

‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first’: Trump shuts down Putin’s offer to mediate Israel-Iran war

Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky meanwhile did not mention whether Ukraine would agree to the next round of talks, only saying that "the exchanges will be completed and the parties will discuss the next step."

Russia ready for next round of talks on Ukraine: Putin tells Trump

In an X post Netanyahu wished the US president calling him an “extraordinary leader”. Trump said that Russian President Vladimir Putin called him to wish him a happy birthday.

‘Extraordinary leader’: Trump receives birthday wishes from Netanyahu, Putin

Kremlin also confirmed the call and Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, said that Putin briefed Trump on his recent talks with the leaders of Iran and Israel and reiterated Moscow’s proposal to seek mutually acceptable solutions on the Iranian nuclear issue.

Putin calls Trump to wish on birthday, both say ‘Israel-Iran war should end’

Zelensky warned against sending mixed signals about Western support, arguing that portraying Russia and Ukraine as equals is “deeply unfair.”

‘Russia can’t be stopped with words’: Zelensky wants Trump to get tougher on Putin, warns appeasement won’t end war

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Ex-CIA director pushed 'implausible' intel linking Putin to Donald Trump's election: Report

Putin preparing for world war? Kyiv flags Russia's $1.1 trillion rearmament plan

US Senator Lindsey warns India, China and Brazil against buying Russian oil

Zelensky ready for direct talks with Putin? Ukraine proposes fresh peace talks

‘Can you hit Moscow?’: Trump asked Zelensky about deep strikes inside Russia

Trump complains Putin’s ‘lovely’ calls often end with missile strikes

Trump to announce ‘major’ Russia move tomorrow: What's next for Kyiv and Moscow?

Trump frustrated with Putin as Ukraine war drags on - What will he do next?

‘Very unhappy’: Trump says Putin wants to 'just keep killing people'

'Pressure on aggressor is needed': Zelensky urges US support after Russia attack

Russia is ready for new round of talks in Istanbul, says Putin

Kremlin confirms Putin won’t travel to Brazil for BRICS, cites ICC arrest risk

Zelensky says Russia ‘not in the mood for a ceasefire’ after Putin’s remarks

Putin the peacemaker? Russian president in talks with Israel, Iran to end bloodshed after Trump's two weeks deadline

‘I do not rule it out’: Putin hints at taking Ukrainian city Sumy

Zelensky pushes for intensified sanctions on Russia over Iran’s defence

Not a 'threat'? Putin downplays NATO rearmament push

‘Solution can be found’: Putin says Israel-Iran deal can end conflict

Putin says ready to meet Zelensky but only in ‘final phase’ of talks

Trump shuts down Putin’s offer to mediate Israel-Iran war

Russia ready for next round of talks on Ukraine: Putin tells Trump

‘Extraordinary leader’: Trump receives birthday wishes from Netanyahu, Putin

Putin calls Trump to wish on birthday, both say ‘Israel-Iran war should end’

‘Russia can’t be stopped’: Zelensky wants Trump to get tougher on Putin