In the wake of Russia's brutal missile strikes, Republican supporters of Ukraine are urging Donald Trump to adopt a tougher stance against Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for increased pressure to secure a ceasefire.

Pro-Ukraine lawmakers within the GOP have carefully maneuvered around Trump's known affection for Putin. However, recent attacks in Ukraine have prompted these officials to speak out loudly against the violence, using language that connects with Trump's conservative and religious supporters.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, stated, 'Putin and peace apparently do not fit in the same sentence.' He condemned the attacks during Palm Sunday celebrations, suggesting these assaults illustrate Putin's rejection of diplomatic peace efforts.

Texas Representative Michael McCaul echoed this sentiment, stating, 'While Ukraine has accepted Trump’s ceasefire proposal, Putin continues to show he is more interested in bloodshed than peace.' He referred to the targeting of innocent worshippers as 'beyond the pale'.

Notably, the missile strike came just two days after Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, held talks with Putin in St. Petersburg. Although the Kremlin suggested the meeting was productive, observers in Washington criticized Witkoff's overly cordial gestures and raised concerns about his apparent pro-Kremlin stance.

Inside Trump's advisory circle, opinions diverge. While some remain cautious about Putin's intentions, others like Keith Kellogg, the sidelined Ukraine envoy, voiced their outrage: 'Today's Palm Sunday attack on civilian targets in Sumy crosses any line of decency.' He highlighted the tragic loss of life as a driving force behind Trump's desire to end the conflict.

Richard Grenell, another Trump appointee, expressed disbelief, saying, 'Attacking on the holy day of Palm Sunday?! Dear God.' This sentiment is likely to resonate with Trump's religious right base, a critical voting bloc.

Past initiatives highlighting Russian persecution of Christians in Ukraine have proven effective in galvanizing Republican support for financial aid to Ukraine. Following the recent missile strikes, some within the party are now advocating for even tougher sanctions against Russia.

Graham urged for intensified economic sanctions, warning that if the situation does not change dramatically, crippling Russia’s economy may be the only viable solution to curtail the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has also pointed out that these attacks exhibit Russia's blatant disregard for U.S. calls for a ceasefire, stating, 'It’s now the second month that Putin has been ignoring the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire.' He urged for urgent action to alter this troubling trajectory.

Trump, even before the recent strikes, had shown signs of growing frustration with Russia’s stubbornness, raising hopes among Ukrainian allies that his stance could shift significantly.