The contradictory stories come as Trump, finally, announces new sanctions to counter Russia and more military aid to Ukraine.

Trump's threat against Russia runs parallel to a Senate-led effort to pass crippling sanctions on countries that buy Russian energy.

President Trump discussed how he came to give up on negotiating with Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Monday, as the U.S. agrees to sell new and more weapons to Europe and Ukraine.

U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly said during his campaign he would be able to end the war between Russia and Ukraine “in 24 hours” upon taking office.

Trump said he would end the war in Ukraine within his first 24 hours in office. His patience with Russia's Putin now appears to be wearing thin.

Trump also expressed deep frustration with Putin, accusing him of talking peace while intensifying missile strikes in Ukraine. “I am very disappointed with President Putin,” he said. “He talks so beautifully,

WASHINGTON — Ever since his political rise a decade ago, Donald Trump has sung the praises of Vladimir Putin — the Russian president was a “strong leader” who, perhaps more important, would often say “very good things” about him.

I am very disappointed with President Putin,” Trump said July 13. “I thought he was somebody that meant what he said."