Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected ceasefire proposals from his own advisers, according to a Kremlin insider who spoke to Reuters. The source stated Putin is instead preparing a new offensive to capture Ukraine's Donbas region, with a 'high probability' of major escalation in the coming months. The claims contradict recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who said Putin wanted the war to end and that a resolution was 'closer than people realise.'
Trump States Putin Wants War to End
US President Donald Trump recently stated that Putin wanted the war to end and that a resolution was 'closer than people realise.' Trump held separate phone calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky noted the discussions covered 'ideas to bring peace closer.'
Putin Rebukes Advisers Over Ceasefire Compromise
A Kremlin source told Reuters that Putin recently delivered a rebuke to a group of his advisers who suggested a compromise based on a ceasefire along the current front lines. The source stated Putin remains convinced Russia will soon capture the Donbas, despite troop advances slowing significantly this year. An insider who meets with Putin regularly told Reuters that capturing the region has become an obsession for the Russian president, saying he 'needs some kind of victory.'
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated: 'Russia is ready for a peaceful resolution but has enough capability to act independently and continue the special military operation.'
Ukrainian Official Warns of Further War Escalation
A senior Ukrainian official warned that Putin is preparing for further steps in the war rather than peace, including new operations or a potential attack on another European nation. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest Putin is gearing up for escalation. Russian military experts have openly discussed striking European targets, including NATO bases in Baltic countries.
Analyst Warns Russia Could Target NATO Bases
Jack Watling from the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) warned Russia could use isolated strikes to sow division among NATO members. He stated: 'The Russians would not be aiming for a war with NATO. But it could be used to divide NATO over how to respond.' Watling added that heightened tensions could help Putin justify a politically unpopular mandatory draft of fighting-age men.
A potential attack on a NATO member could trigger NATO's collective defense principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
War Casualties Reach Two Million
The Centre for Strategic & International Studies estimates that two million soldiers have been killed, wounded, or gone missing in the conflict, with 1.4 million of them Russian. Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and ports have caused fuel shortages, bringing the war's impact to millions of Russian citizens.
Putin recently claimed his forces seized the strategic eastern city of Kostiantynivka. Ukraine fiercely denies this claim.
FAQ
What did Putin reject according to the Kremlin source?
A Kremlin insider told Reuters that Putin rejected ceasefire proposals from his advisers who suggested a compromise based on a ceasefire along the current front lines.
What did Trump say about Putin and the war?
US President Donald Trump stated that Putin wanted the war to end and that a resolution was 'closer than people realise.' Trump held phone calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky.
How many casualties has the war caused according to CSIS?
The Centre for Strategic & International Studies estimates two million soldiers have been killed, wounded, or gone missing, with 1.4 million of them Russian.
