Mr. Trump said on Monday that he would give Russia about 10 to 12 days to end the war before implementing a new round of penalties against Moscow. The Kremlin offered little reaction.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it had "taken note" of a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he was shortening his deadline for Moscow to sign up to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions.

If his latest remarks are anything to go by, President Donald Trump’s loss of patience with the Kremlin appears to be gathering pace.