Trump has echoed Moscow’s rhetoric, which has described its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine as a response to planned Nato membership for Kyiv

Sources "familiar with the Kremlin's plans" told the agency that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is increasingly confident in his battlefield advantage. With this in mind, he intends to achieve his goal of preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and limiting its military capabilities.

On the campaign trail last year, candidate Donald Trump, time after time, not only suggested he could swiftly bring an end to Russia’s unlawful war against Ukraine, but at times even insisted he could—and would—do it before being sworn into office.