Putin Rejects Inner Circle's Ceasefire Plan, Prepares New Offensive to Capture Donbas

According to Reuters, on July 9, Putin rejected his inner circle's ceasefire suggestions and is instead preparing a brutal new offensive to capture Ukraine's Donbas region, a Kremlin insider revealed. The Russian leader dismissed advisers who proposed a compromise based on current front lines, reportedly remaining convinced Russia will soon seize the eastern territory despite slowed military advances this year.

Ukrainian intelligence officials warned Putin is gearing up for further military escalation, with analysts cautioning of potential strikes on European targets. Putin's decision comes as Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and ports have caused severe fuel shortages and sent his approval ratings to their lowest levels since the 2022 invasion.