U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to ramp up arms shipments to Ukraine is a signal to Kyiv to abandon peace efforts, Russia said on Thursday, vowing it would not accept the "blackmail" of Washington's new sanctions ultimatum.

Zelensky said he had offered Putin fresh peace talks starting from next week but did not give any more details

Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Republicans will vote on a Russia sanctions bill once Trump approves it, as pressure mounts on Moscow to negotiate peace in Ukraine.

As Russia defies calls for a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine, members of Congress are moving to slap the country with new sanctions. The effort effort is a rare bipartisan issue in Congress.

Ask the Senate majority leader why he is not bringing it to the floor,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren. “Is he afraid of Donald Trump?”

Trump’s threat isn’t just non-credible – the positive market reaction in Russia suggests it is a gift for Moscow. The 50-day ultimatum is seen not as a deadline but as a reprieve, meaning nearly two months of guaranteed inaction from the US.

Trump's moves underline his growing disenchantment with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the lack of progress in U.S.-led efforts to secure a ceasefire.