Previous Trump promises, threats and cajoling have failed to yield results., and the stubborn diplomatic stalemate will be hard to clear away. Meanwhile, Ukraine is losing more territory on the front line, although there is no sign of a looming collapse of its defenses.

The coming week could mark a pivotal moment in the war between Russia and Ukraine So far Trump’s promises, threats and cajoling have failed to shift the Kremlin's position, and the stubborn diplomatic stalemate remains in place.

President Trump is rattling the U.S.’s formidable nuclear saber amid his growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to halt the war in Ukraine, just days ahead of Trump’s deadline for a ceasefire.