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."

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.

Germany and Ukraine strike a deal to jointly develop weapons with "no range restrictions," as the Kremlin says Trump's jabs at Putin are due to him "not being informed."

One hopes that Russia and Ukraine can build upon the diplomatic and humanitarian momentum of the recent prisoner exchange to develop a permanent peace.

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,

Russia's defence ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine, backed by certain European countries, had taken several 'provocative steps' aimed at derailing Moscow-initiated direct peace talks with Kyiv.

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.