A "two week" deadline imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to see if Russia is serious about peace in Ukraine has been and gone, with Moscow's escalation of attacks on civilians during this period failing to draw the slightest condemnation from the White House.

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 50-minute phone call Saturday to discuss the escalation in the Middle East, Ukraine peace talks, and the U.S. president’s 79th birthday,

Russian President Vladimir Putin called President Donald Trump to wish him a happy birthday and speak about the escalating conflict in the Middle East on Saturday. Putin spoke with Trump about the Russian president’s conversations with the leaders of Iran and Israel as tensions heat up.

Putin reiterated Russia’s proposal to pursue mutually acceptable agreements on the Iranian nuclear issue. While no formal commitments were made, both leaders acknowledged the possibility of reviving negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have held a lengthy phone call to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East and Ukraine peace talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia's National Day, and expressed a desire for "constructive engagement" to bring peace to Ukraine. "On behalf of the American people,