Putin Challenges the West: War Continues Until Russia's Conditions in Ukraine Are Met

Reuters quoted three sources familiar with the Kremlin as saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ignoring threats from US President Donald Trump and intends to continue the war in Ukraine until the West takes Moscow's conditions for peace seriously.

According to the sources, Putin believes that the Russian economy and army still have enough strength to withstand further Western sanctions, and he is prepared to expand Russia's sovereignty demands over the territories it controls while military advances continue.

On Monday, Trump expressed frustration over Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire and threatened further sanctions within 50 days if a peace agreement is not reached.

He also announced the sending of a new shipment of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine, a move that confirms ongoing US support for Kyiv.

Reuters sources confirmed that Putin sees the United States as not negotiating seriously for peace, despite numerous calls between him and Trump and visits by US envoy Steve Whitcomb to Moscow.

One source said that Putin values his personal relationship with Trump, but prioritizes Russia's interests above all.

Among Moscow's conditions for accepting peace are: a legal commitment not to expand NATO eastward, Ukraine's commitment to neutrality, restrictions on its army, ensuring protection for Russian speakers, and recognition of Russia's sovereignty over the annexed areas.

According to one source, Putin is willing to discuss providing security guarantees to Ukraine with the participation of international forces, but the details remain unclear.

Two sources confirmed that Putin does not see US threats to impose tariffs on Russian oil buyers from China and India as a real danger, believing that Russia's strategic goals far outweigh any potential economic losses.

They also emphasized that Russia's war-oriented economy surpasses NATO's capabilities in ammunition production, especially artillery shells.

Data from the Deep State Map platform shows that Russian forces have seized an additional approximately 1415 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in the past three months, bringing Russia's total control to about a fifth of Ukraine's area.

One source indicated that Putin may seek to control more territory if the war is not stopped, saying: "Appetite comes with eating," and other sources confirmed that the Kremlin sees an opportunity to enhance its gains amid military advances.

Russia currently controls the Crimean Peninsula, the entire Luhansk region, over 70% of Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, as well as parts of Kharkiv, Sumy, and Dnipropetrovsk.

Putin has previously stated that Crimea and the four eastern regions have become "part of Russia," and demands the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from them before discussing any peace agreement.

One source added that Moscow may expand its attacks to Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv if Ukraine's defenses weaken, but it may settle for current gains if faced with strong resistance.