Russian President Vladimir Putin is rejecting renewed calls to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and is instead preparing for possible military escalation, according to sources close to the Kremlin, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's insistence that a peace deal may be within reach.
Three people familiar with the Kremlin's internal discussions told Reuters that recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian oil refineries, ports and fuel storage facilities have hardened Putin's position, convincing him that Russia must intensify the war rather than seek compromise.
The conflict, now in its fifth year, has reached another critical juncture as diplomatic efforts continue alongside increasingly destructive attacks on both sides.
Two of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Putin is more likely to expand military operations than agree to a ceasefire. One source, who regularly meets with the Russian leader, described the likelihood of escalation in the coming months as "high."
The sources' assessment contrasts sharply with Trump's recent optimism.
