Sources: Putin Rejects Calls for Peace Talks, High Likelihood of War Escalation in Coming Months

Odaily News, July 9 – According to sources close to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for peace negotiations with Ukraine. Recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and ports have further strengthened his resolve to continue the fight. Sources indicate that Putin may escalate the conflict, now in its fifth year. One source stated that the "likelihood of war escalation is high" in the coming months.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Putin wants to end the war and suggested that a resolution is closer than people realize. Trump held phone calls with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week. He met with Zelenskyy at the NATO summit on Wednesday, where Zelenskyy stated they discussed "ideas to bring peace closer."