The Trump administration was reportedly considering lifting energy sanctions on Russia last week as part of discussions to end the war in Ukraine, per Politico. Those plans could include restarting the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline, which could prove to be a major financial boon to Moscow.

President Donald Trump issued a rare rebuke of Russian President Vladimir Putin after Russia launched a major attack on Ukraine overnight. He later said he believed Putin would listen to his plea to halt Russian strikes on Ukraine and expressed optimism about a potential peace deal.

US President Donald Trump ripped into Vladimir Putin on Saturday, warning Russia could face heavy sanctions after missile strikes on civilians in Ukraine. After months of flaunting his so-called friendship with the Russian president,