President Trump has dropped his demand that Russia declare an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, following a two-hour phone call with President Vladimir Putin on Monday that Trump described as “excellent.” Trump said after the call that Moscow and Kyiv should start direct negotiations — instead of U.S.-mediated talks aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, Trump promised he would end the Ukraine war in “24 hours.” After the call, Putin said he had declined the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire and said Russia’s goals in Ukraine remained unchanged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation.

European defense ministers have just announced new sanctions against Russia — the European Union’s 17th sanctions package since Russia invaded Ukraine more than three years ago. The EU’s foreign policy chief said she hoped to see the “consequences” against Russia that Trump promised if Putin failed to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

Kaja Kallas: “It takes two to want peace. It only takes one to want war. And Russia clearly wants war, whereas Ukraine wants peace. So, in order to make Russia want peace, also we need to put more pressure on Russia.”