Talks to end the war " which Trump previously promised to do within 24 hours of taking office " have largely stalled, despite several top level meetings and at least two direct phone calls between Trump and the Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow continues to refuse the 30-day ceasefire agreement proposed by the US and agreed by Ukraine. The Kremlin also demands the recognition of the Ukrainian territories it took by force as part of Russia. Such a move would upend decades-long international laws.

At the same time, Russia continues its brutal aggression against Ukraine, bombing cities hundreds of miles away from the frontlines on an almost daily basis."

;;

Well, that was a good ol' fashioned nod to Vlad not to worry about any silly mineral deal.