Kremlin sources reveal how Putin reacts to Trump's ultimatum
Photo: Reuters agency once again received a leak of information from the Kremlin (Getty Images)
Vladimir Putin is unlikely to comply with the sanctions ultimatum of US President Donald Trump, which expires on August 8. He is reportedly ready to consider a ceasefire only after the capture of four regions of Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Trump's sanctions ultimatum and Kremlin's position
Earlier, Trump threatened to impose new sanctions against Russia and introduce 100 percent tariffs on countries that buy its oil, primarily China and India, if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire.
However, according to three sources close to Putin's circle, the Kremlin does not intend to accept the ultimatum.
Putin is reportedly confident of victory and believes that new sanctions will not have a significant impact after several waves of economic pressure during three and a half years of war. Two sources added that Putin does not want to spoil relations with Trump, but his military objectives take priority.
Putin's plans
According to one informant, Putin aims to fully control the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions - the territories that Russia has already declared its own. Only after that, in his opinion, can a peace agreement be discussed.
Current negotiations between representatives of Russia and Ukraine, three meetings since May, according to the source, have been declarative in nature. Prisoner exchanges and humanitarian issues were discussed indirectly, without a real substantive negotiation basis.
Trump's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to visit Russia this week - the last chance to reach an agreement before the ultimatum expires.
However, sources note that Putin fears a break with the West but is not ready to change his course.
As previously reported, Trump shortened the ultimatum for Russia from 50 to 10 days. If Putin refuses to take real steps toward a ceasefire, the US will impose harsh sanctions.
Putin himself stated on August 1 that Russia is supposedly ready to negotiate an end to the war against Ukraine on former terms. This involves full occupation of the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions - and more.
Trump stated that since the beginning of the year, Russia has lost 112,500 soldiers, with 20,000 killed at the front just in July. According to the US President, since January 1, 2025, Ukraine has lost about 8,000 soldiers, and this number does not include the missing in action.
