Sri Lanka, April 21 -- US President Donald Trump has expressed hope that Russia and Ukraine could reach a peace agreement within days, suggesting that both nations could instead turn their attention to trade with the United States.

The statement follows remarks from Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who hinted that Washington may abandon its mediation efforts unless tangible progress is made.

"HOPEFULLY RUSSIA [and] UKRAINE WILL MAKE A DEAL THIS WEEK," Trump wrote on his Truth Social account on Sunday. "BOTH WILL THEN START TO DO BIG BUSINESS WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, WHICH IS THRIVING, AND MAKE A FORTUNE!"

The 30-hour Easter truce, declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin, expired on Monday. The Kremlin confirmed ...