The statement added that the aircraft are designed to destroy ground and air targets, and infrastructure facilities covered by air defense systems. Izvestia reported how on March 31, a Su-34 aircraft had bombed a Ukrainian stronghold in the border area of Russia's Kursk region.

Many Russians cheered President Trump’s election because they thought he could make a deal for a negotiated peace in Ukraine that would satisfy the Kremlin. Three months into Mr. Trump’s second term, the disappointment in Moscow is palpable.

The U.S. is prepared to recognize Russian control of the Ukrainian region of Crimea as part of a broader peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv, according to people familiar with the matter.