Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is likely trying to divert attention from Russia's war against Ukraine by offering to mediate in the Middle East conflict.

Trump has generally veered away from overtly criticizing Putin while openly berating Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelensky, but has repeatedly condemned Russia's lethal airstrikes and floated that the Kremlin could be "tapping us along."

Gen. Dan Caine’s comments in Senate testimony were restrained but significant, perhaps allaying lawmakers’ fears he would bow to political pressure.