“Trump often praised or defended Putin, while Putin remained measured or even condescending. There was admiration but it was one-sided,” Ross said. “Given that this was more of a fantasy bond than an actual bond, a friendship reconciliation is unlikely to happen.” This article originally appeared on HuffPost.

But in recent weeks, the relationship has begun to show signs of strain.

President Donald Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin a deadline of “two weeks.” Again. Asked on Wednesday whether he believes Putin really wants to end the war in Ukraine, Trump said he’s still mulling it over,