Putin rejects peace talks, signals escalation of Ukraine war

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for peace negotiations with Ukraine and is likely to escalate the conflict in the coming months, according to three sources close to the Kremlin. This assessment comes despite recent diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed optimism about a potential resolution.

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that recent Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, ports, and energy infrastructure have strengthened Putin's resolve to continue fighting. One source who meets regularly with the president described a high probability of escalation. Putin is reportedly focused on achieving the key objective of capturing the remainder of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, where Russian advances have slowed this year. According to one source, he recently rebuked advisers who suggested a compromise based on a ceasefire along the current front lines.

This stance contrasts with public comments from President Trump, who said on Monday that Putin wanted the war to end and that a resolution was closer than people realize. Trump held separate phone calls with Putin and Ukrainian...