U.S. President Donald Trump said he still believes his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is ready to reach a deal to end the war in Ukraine soon, despite continued attacks and some indications that Moscow may escalate the conflict.

Trump added, in an interview with Fox News when asked about his conversations with Putin: 'I think he is ready to reach an agreement.' The interview was recorded yesterday, Tuesday, and aired today, Wednesday.

Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin rejects calls to negotiate peace with Kyiv and is likely to escalate the conflict, which has entered its fifth year.

Trump promised to reach an agreement to end the war on the first day of his presidency in January.