Russia’s stalling contrasted with Trump’s rush for a valuable breakthrough as his trade policies set off stock market slumps and cast a cloud over the economy. “I think we’re going to be in very good shape to get it done. We want to get it over with,” Trump said at the Oval Office on Thursday, in an outburst of optimism that jarred with reality.

The U.S. looks to secure a peace deal by forcing Ukraine and Russia to make concessions to end the war, but experts warn Putin has no interest in ending his fight or establishing peace.