Russia-Ukraine war: Trump warns Putin he's 'playing with fire'

US President Donald Trump has ramped up the rhetoric directed at Russian President Vladimir Putin in his latest comments on his Truth Social platform come as peace efforts show no sign of progress.

"What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realize is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD. He’s playing with fire!" Trump said without being specific about what "bad things" he prevented.

Trump has at times expressed growing frustration with Putin as deadly strikes on Ukraine continue with the latest being the largest drone and missile attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The US administration has also said "all options are on the table" following Russia's latest airstrikes on Ukraine.

Vatican repeats offer to host Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations

The Vatican has again indicated its willingness to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin reiterated the offer made by Pope Leo XIV but said it didn't really matter where negotiations were held, but what was important was that they started taking place.

"Pope Leo has offered the Holy See’s full availability to host any negotiations, providing a neutral, protected venue," Vatican News quoted Parolin as saying.

He pointed out that any mediation would have to be requested by the parties and that "there has only been a public offer of hospitality for a possible meeting."

"In any event, it is not important where the negotiations between Russians and Ukrainians — negotiations we all hope for — will take place. What truly matters is that these negotiations finally begin, because it is urgent to stop the war," Parolin said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said that if Russia was not prepared to accept the Vatican's offer, it demonstrated Moscow has no interest in agreeing to a ceasefire or peace deal.