Sources: Putin rejects calls for peace talks, high likelihood of war escalation in coming months

Odaily reported on July 9 that, according to sources close to the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for peace negotiations with Ukraine. Recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and ports have further strengthened his resolve to continue the conflict. The sources said Putin may escalate the conflict, now in its fifth year. One of the sources stated that there is a “high probability of war escalation” in the coming months.

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