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

According to Odaily, sources close to the Kremlin revealed on July 9 that Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for peace negotiations with Ukraine. Ukraine's recent drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and ports have further strengthened his determination to continue the fight. Sources indicate that Putin may escalate the conflict, which has already entered its fifth year. One of the sources stated that there is a "high possibility of war escalation" in the coming months.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Putin wants to end the war and that a solution is closer than people realize. Trump spoke by phone with both Putin and Zelensky last week. He met with Zelensky at the NATO summit on Wednesday, where Zelensky said they discussed "ideas to bring peace closer."