NATO must "expect the unexpected" and prepare for a Russian attack, Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer, the alliance's military committee chief, said in Brussels last January. Meanwhile, intelligence and military officials have warned in recent weeks that NATO member states must be ready for a potential conflict with Russia.

The targets include banking and energy firms after the Russian leader kept rejecting the US president’s calls for a ceasefire.

In a major shift, the U.S. has stepped back from directly mediating Ukraine-Russia peace talks, urging both sides to present concrete proposals for ending the war. The move comes as President Trump grows frustrated with the lack of progress despite several meetings and major pro-Ukraine actions,