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Putin rejects peace talks and prepares to escalate war after Ukrainian strikes - report

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • President Vladimir Putin is reportedly rejecting peace talks and preparing to escalate the war in Ukraine, influenced by recent Ukrainian drone strikes.
  • Sources close to the Kremlin suggest a high probability of escalation in the coming months, with Putin determined to capture the Donbas region.
  • Western analysts believe Russia may need a mandatory draft, a politically unpopular move, to achieve its objectives, while Ukraine fears further Russian operations or attacks on other European countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly rejecting calls for peace negotiations with Ukraine, with recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities strengthening his resolve to continue the conflict. Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin is instead likely to escalate the war, now in its fifth year. One source, who meets regularly with the president, indicated a "high probability" of escalation in the coming months.

Russia is ready for a peaceful resolution but has enough capability to act independently and continue the special military operation.

— Dmitry PeskovKremlin spokesman's response regarding Russia's readiness for peace talks.

This stance contrasts with statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested Putin desired an end to the war and that a resolution was near. Trump recently spoke with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. However, sources familiar with Putin's thinking state he has "dug in his heels" to achieve the primary objective of capturing the remainder of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, where Russian advances have slowed. Putin reportedly rebuked advisers who suggested a ceasefire along current front lines, believing Russia will soon capture the Donbas.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is "ready for a peaceful resolution but has enough capability to act independently and continue the special military operation." Conversely, a senior Ukrainian official cited intelligence reports indicating Putin is preparing for further military actions, potentially including new operations within Ukraine or an attack on another European country.

high probability

— Source close to the KremlinDescribing the likelihood of Russian escalation in the conflict.

Western military analysts suggest that Russia might need to implement a mandatory draft of fighting-age men to achieve the goal of taking the Donbas, a politically sensitive move Putin has avoided. Russian military experts have publicly discussed escalation possibilities, including targeting European locations like NATO bases in the Baltic countries. Such actions could risk direct confrontation between Russia and the US-led alliance, testing NATO's collective defense commitment.

dug in his heels

— Source familiar with Putin's thinkingExplaining Putin's determination to capture the Donbas region.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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