Russia has observed a “slowdown” in efforts to restore ties with the United States, the Kremlin said on Tuesday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump expressed renewed frustration with Moscow over its military offensive in Ukraine. Responding to a question about Moscow’s relations with Washington, the Kremlin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “There is indeed a slowdown. We would like to see more momentum. We are interested in this. To move forward, we need impulses from both sides.”

In its first response to President Trump’s newly set deadline for Moscow to cease fire in the conflict, the Kremlin said Russia remains committed to achieving peace in Ukraine. “We have taken note of President Trump’s statement yesterday. The special military operation continues, and we remain committed to the peace process aimed at resolving the conflict around Ukraine and securing our national interests,” Peskov added. (Agencies)