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Putin Likely to Escalate Ukraine War, Sources Tell Reuters
Sources said Putin rebuked advisers who proposed a ceasefire as Ukraine’s drone strikes and battlefield setbacks deepen pressure on Moscow.
- On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin rejected advisers' ceasefire proposals and rebuked them, Reuters reported citing three Kremlin-linked sources. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow has "enough capability to act independently and continue the special military operation."
- Sources familiar with Kremlin thinking say Putin has "dug in his heels" to seize the eastern Donbas region, with one source saying he "needs some kind of victory." This resolve reflects Putin's rejection of advisers' compromise proposals for a front-line freeze.
- Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have triggered nationwide fuel shortages, with Kyiv estimating refining capacity dropped over 42%. Polling by the independent Levada Center shows Putin's approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.
- Analysts warn of a "high probability" of escalation in the coming months, with potential targets including NATO bases in the Baltic states and European Union facilities producing long-range drones and missiles for Ukraine. Such strikes could test alliance unity without triggering full-scale war.
- This hardline stance contradicts U.S. President Donald Trump's recent claim that a resolution is "closer than people realize" after calls with both leaders last week. Moscow remains focused on battlefield objectives in Donbas rather than peace negotiations.
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Several sources familiar with the Kremlin do not expect any rapprochement in the Ukraine war. Instead, Vladimir Putin is supposed to rely on another military escalation and want to completely conquer Donbas.
·Berlin, Germany
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At present, a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine seems highly unlikely. According to insiders, Putin is even supposed to want to expand the war.
Putin does not want to come to the negotiating table, sources say.
·Finland
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Total News Sources85
Leaning Left16Leaning Right18Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Right
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Right
42% Right
L 37%
C 21%
R 42%
Factuality
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