President Donald Trump has stirred up backlash after remarking that Russia “wants to see Ukraine succeed” after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and an extended meeting with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

Russia and Ukraine remained far apart on territorial issues that are blocking a peace deal, despite progress on security guarantees for Kyiv at talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by phone shortly before the meeting. Trump described it as a “good and very productive telephone call.”

Russia Quietly Changed Its Space Station Plans. Here's What That Means The proposed Russian Orbital Station will stick to a familiar path instead of an ambitious polar orbit

The talks come after days of heavy Russian missile and drone attacks and as negotiators say a U.S.-backed peace plan is nearing completion.

Rep. Mike Turner's response came after ABC host Jonathan Karl grilled him over Trump blaming Ukraine for initiating the war with Russia.

Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky hailed progress at their Florida meeting. Follow Newsweek's live coverage of the peace push.

Western sanctions have failed to turn the uber-rich into opponents, and Putin's policies have turned them into silent backers.