ROME (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that he doubts Russia's Vladimir Putin wants to end his war in Ukraine, expressing new skepticism that a peace deal can be reached soon. Only a day earlier, Trump had said Ukraine and Russia were “ very close to a deal ."

Trump has taken a harder stance against Russia for the first time in months, citing its continued attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine as proof that it may not be taking peace negotiations seriously.

Many of President Trump’s actions have been seen as benefiting Russia either directly or indirectly, so much so that Russian officials have celebrated some of his moves.