Despite occasional signs of improved US-Russia ties President Donald Trump has indicated that Moscow will not escape economic pressure.

He warned of major sanctions if Russia fails to negotiate a peace deal and ceasefire with Ukraine. Just hours later however, Trump expressed confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin calling negotiations with Ukraine’s leadership difficult – BBC report.

Since returning to office for a second term, Trump has praised Putin and even blamed Ukraine for ongoing war. He has also cut military aid and clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In a heated White House meeting, tensions escalated, prompting Trump to take a series of hardline steps, including halting intelligence sharing and suspending aid to Kyiv.

In another controversial move Trump administration is considering ending temporary political asylum for Ukrainians who fled war. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion, around 240,000 Ukrainians sought refuge in U.S. Now, Trump’s new policy could force them to return to their war-ravaged homeland. A final decision is expected by April.

Many Ukrainian refugees fear being sent back to a country devastated by conflict. “Ukraine has become a living hell—people are dying every day,” one refugee said. “Trump and Putin are looting Ukraine like pigs, and we are the victims.”

Uncertainty has spread panic within Ukrainian community, which has long feared a shift in U.S. policy under Trump.

Read more: Trump Threatens Sanctions on Russia’s Banking Sector Until Ukraine Peace Deal is Reached

In addition to Ukraine, Trump’s administration is reportedly planning to deport around 530,000 asylum seekers from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

Ukraine Deploys Mirage Fighter Jets Against Russian Attacks

As Russian airstrikes intensify, Ukraine has for first time deployed French Mirage fighter jets to intercept attacks. On Friday, a massive Russian assault involved nearly 200 drones and multiple fighter jets.

Ukrainian forces, using a combination of Mirage jets and air defense systems successfully destroyed 34 missiles and over 100 drones.

Battle extended to several regions with Ukrainian troops repelling Russian offensives in Pokrovsk and Kursk. Russian forces continued targeting Ukrainian airbases, ammunition depots and naval facilities.

With tensions escalating on both military and diplomatic fronts Ukraine’s fight for survival remains at center of global attention.