While world leaders bicker over the prospects for peace, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two is heating up fast.

US President Donald Trump said that he was unpleasantly surprised by the information about Russia's retaliatory strikes on military facilities in Ukraine, he noted that he "does not like surprises."

With diplomatic efforts to reach a cease-fire appearing remote, and President Trump apparently abandoning the process, Russia has been escalating its assaults on Ukrainian cities and on the battlefield.

The United States wants Russia to agree to a comprehensive 30-day land, air, sea and critical infrastructure ceasefire.

Amid rising tensions in Ukraine, President Trump presses Russia's President Putin to engage in ceasefire discussions, warning of potential severe consequences if diplomacy fails. However, Trump hesitates to implement new sanctions,

Russia and Ukraine swapped hundreds more prisoners on Sunday, the Russian defense ministry said. The announcement came hours after a massive Russian drone-and-missile attack targeted Ukraine.

President Donald Trump appeared to distance the U.S. from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine — just two days after speaking over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Monday before speaking to Putin and after with European leaders,

The hourslong raids, involving hundreds of drones, were a reminder that any diplomatic resolution to the conflict remains far off.

China has reportedly halted drone sales to Ukraine and other European buyers while continuing, and even increasing, shipments of drones and critical components like motor magnets to Russia, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European officials.