Zelensky aide hits out at Putin’s negotiators after two sides agree prisoner swap - Zelensky says Russia and Ukraine agree to exchange 1,000 prisoners each, potentially rising to 1200

“My greatest wish for both sides is to bring both (Russia’s) Vladimir Putin and (Ukraine’s Volodymyr) Zelensky together in Istanbul or Ankara, and even to bring (US President) Mr (Donald) Trump to their side, if they accept,” he said.

Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.

By making harsh, uncompromising demands in peace talks with Ukraine while continuing to pummel it with waves of missiles and drones, Russian President Vladimir Putin is sending a clear message: He will only accept a settlement on his terms and will keep fighting until they’re met.

Trump tapped Pirro, a former prosecutor and Fox News host, for the job after controversy around his previous pick, Ed Martin. Martin, who had served as D.C.'s interim top prosecutor, lost GOP support for the job. Martin's past, specifically his defense of Jan. 6 rioters and inflammatory rhetoric around the Capitol attack, plagued his nomination.

The American president said he's "not happy" with his Russian counterpart, but he's said this before — and the rhetoric usually amounts to nothing.

But in recent weeks, the relationship has begun to show signs of strain.

The American president’s preference for praising and excusing the Russian leader has yielded no progress toward peace in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin causes more irritation to the US administration than he does. Source: Zelenskyy at a press conference, as reported by Ukrinform Details: When asked who causes more irritation in the White House,