Ukraine said it would reciprocate any genuine ceasefire by Moscow, but voiced skepticism after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter truce in Ukraine starting Saturday.
President Trump has said he wants to broker an end to Russia's war in Ukraine. This was his second call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the issue.
Ukraine's president said he hopes the U.S. applies "maximum additional sanctions" on Russia if it refuses to accept a 30-day ceasefire, describing the Russian leader's "bravado" as a stalling tactic.
Russia's president welcomed the idea of a ceasefire but warned Ukraine might use a 30-day truce to regroup and questioned how it would be enforced, as President Trump's envoy visited Moscow.
During a joint press conference President Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted their friendly relationship, even when they appeared far apart on the war in Ukraine.
Historian Anne Applebaum says America's shifting alliances with anti-democratic nations, particularly Russia, raise questions about the state of world order and long-standing alliances.
Lawmakers sought to dispel Kremlin talking points echoed by the president that Ukraine was responsible for the war with Russia. But they said Trump should be given room to negotiate.