Increased spending on defense and a new Russian conscription law are signs of the Kremlin's increasingly aggressive posture and preparations for future conflict with Europe and NATO states, according to analysts.

Russia is pursuing a narrative that Donald Trump “is a bit of a joke” as it reacts to the US President bringing forward a deadline for Vladimir Putin to make progress on ending his war in Ukraine, experts say.

In an analysis of Trump’s latest remarks, CNN noted that the president had slashed the 50-day window he previously gave Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to 10 to 12 days, warning that Moscow and its trading partners could face secondary sanctions if no deal is reached.

The Kremlin has declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's decision to cut a deadline for Moscow to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine from 50 to 10-12 days, with a spokesman on Tuesday merely saying that Moscow was aware of the move.

The Kremlin said Tuesday that talks with the United States on restoring bilateral ties, including efforts to resume regular embassy operations, have stalled. “So far, the process of normalizing [relations with the U.

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said the deal she struck with Donald Trump will lessen the reliance on Russia's energy exports but there is doubt over whether the agreement can curb funding for Vladimir Putin 's war machine.

Mr. Putin appears to be caught in the same dilemma, between seizing as much as possible and legitimizing at least part of what has been taken. Like Stalin, after similar doubts, he is likely to make the same choice — trusting only in force, not the West, to secure his gains. That might be a victory of sorts. But it wouldn’t be what he wants.

The Kremlin said on Friday that a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy could only happen as a final step to seal a peace deal.