President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he may let Russia and Ukraine keep fighting has left US lawmakers in an awkward spot over their plan to force a ceasefire with “bone-crushing” sanctions against Moscow.

As the Russian president slow-walks peace talks, GOP leaders hope to pressure their own president into taking a tougher stance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Moscow’s conditions for ending the conflict as unacceptable “ultimatums,” pushing peace negotiations to a standstill. In response, Zelensky expressed his willingness to meet with former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “at any time” to seek a resolution.