Ukraine’s European allies say now is not the time for lifting sanctions on Russia, in a clear message to the Trump administration as Moscow pushes Washington for concessions ahead of signing a US brokered deal on ending the fighting in the Black Sea.

The deal is already under question, as the European Union made clear on Thursday that it will not honor terms that the Kremlin insists must be implemented for the arrangement to go forward.

Russia has accused European countries of blocking peace efforts in Ukraine by keeping sanctions in force. Moscow and Kiev agreed on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea on Tuesday after talks between US,

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his nation will soon overwhelm and destroy the Ukrainian military, and suggested the United Nations take control of the country if the war ends. Putin made the bellicose comments,

Ukraine is ready for dialogue with the Russian opposition. If there are those in Russia who want to end the war, Kyiv could engage in negotiations, according to a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing.