But halting progress, ever-more deadly drone attacks and unmoving negotiating positions seem to have taken their toll. On Thursday, Trump used a striking analogy to concede the warfare was nowhere near over, and that he did not, at that moment, feel it was best to intervene.

President Donald Trump, after repeatedly promising to quickly end Russia's war on Ukraine, has changed his tune and his attitude dramatically.

US President Trump suggested letting Russia and Ukraine fight for a while before intervening, comparing the conflict to children fighting in a park.