**Russian President Putin Refuses to Back Down on Ukraine Conflict**
Russian President Vladimir Putin remains committed to continuing the war against Ukraine, despite threats from US President Donald Trump to impose severe tariffs and sanctions if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. According to Reuters, three sources close to the Kremlin say that Putin believes Russia’s military and economy can withstand additional Western pressure.
**Putin Sees No Reason to Compromise**
Despite recent threats from Trump, including the announcement of new US weapons supplies to Ukraine, Putin sees no reason to back down on his demands for a peace deal. Reuters reports that Putin is confident that Russia’s military and economy can withstand additional Western pressure, including sanctions and tariffs. In fact, sources say that Moscow believes it currently holds the advantage on the battlefield and in defense production.
**Russia’s Conditions for Peace Remain Firm**
Putin’s conditions for peace remain firm, according to Reuters. They include a binding pledge that NATO will not expand further east, Ukrainian neutrality, limits on Ukraine’s military, recognition of Russia’s territorial gains in Ukraine, and “protection” for Russian-speaking populations. Moscow has falsely claimed that Ukraine is repressing its Russian-speaking population.
**Ukraine Rejects Settlement That Legitimizes Occupation**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently rejected any settlement that legitimizes Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory. Kyiv insists it retains sovereign rights over its territory and its future, including the pursuit of NATO membership. Ukraine has called for a full, unconditional ceasefire before talking about any peace settlement.
**Moscow Believes It Can Outpace US-Led NATO Alliance**
Sources close to the Kremlin say that Moscow believes Russia’s war economy is now outpacing the US-led NATO alliance in key areas such as artillery shell manufacturing. A second Kremlin-linked source echoed that economic losses from Western pressure are seen as secondary to Moscow’s broader strategic objectives.
**Putin Unfazed by Threats of Sanctions**
Sources also said that Putin is not concerned by Washington’s threats to sanction nations such as China and India that continue purchasing Russian oil. Reuters reports that Putin believes the US and others have not seriously addressed his demands regarding Ukraine, and that he sees no reason to back down.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
