We’re going to put sanctions,” the president said, even before a deadline he had given Russia this week to engage in cease-fire negotiations had passed.

Republican senators are getting ready to leave Washington without advancing a major sanctions bill against Russia, giving President Trump sole discretion over whether to follow through on his threats against Russian President Vladimir Putin if he refuses to halt his war against Ukraine.

His tighter deadline to reach peace with Ukraine and his threat against Russia’s energy customers contrast with a lighter approach to Russia elsewhere.