The US, under President Donald Trump's leadership, is increasing pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine and permanently end the territorial conflict between the two nations.
President Trump, alongside other members of his administration, has recently publicly criticized Russia for delaying ceasefire negotiations.
Russia recently triggered international outcry when it fired a ballistic missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy during the Christian Palm Sunday holiday.
The attack reportedly caused dozens of civilian deaths and hundreds of injuries.
President Trump denigrated the attack as “horrible,” adding that he had been informed that it had been "a mistake."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio used the attack to remind Russia of the urgency the US is demanding in ceasefire negotiations.
“The United States extends our deepest condolences to the victims of today’s horrifying Russian missile attack on Sumy,” said Secretary Rubio. “This is a tragic reminder of why President Trump and his Administration are putting so much time and effort into trying to end this war and achieve durable peace.”
The Trump administration has been tirelessly working to secure a permanent ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia.
Last month, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a partial ceasefire deal where both states agreed to halt attacking each other’s energy infrastructure and shipping lanes in the Black Sea.
Now, the Trump administration is pursuing a broader ceasefire agreement that would permanently end the war.
US Ambassador and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss Russia’s progress on a ceasefire deal.
Hours before the meeting, Trump encouraged Russia’s government to “get moving.”
“Too many people (are) DYING, thousands a week, in a terrible and senseless war - A war that should have never happened, and wouldn’t have happened, if I were President,” said Trump.
