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In fact, Putin has made sure, that Russian society will not accept any peace settlement short of his original war aims.
In fact, Putin has made sure, that Russian society will not accept any peace settlement short of his original war aims.
Trump’s deadline drawing near
There’s just two days left of Donald Trumps deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or peace settlement in Ukraine.
On Friday 8th, the deadline is up, and the U.S. will impose a 100 % tariff on Russia as well as countries buying Russian oil.
Putin unlikely to budge
Kremlin-insiders told Reuters, that Putin is unlikely to bow to Trump’s demands, even though the Russian leader does not want to anger Trump.
So why won’t Putin agree to a ceasefire in order to make Trump happy?
Thinktank: Putin has no option but to continue
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Russian President has actually painted himself into a corner.
While that is usually a bad thing, this time it is actually a very intentional strategy from Putin himself.
Putin has boxed himself in
According to ISW, Vladimir Putin has positioned himself so that any peace deal falling short of his initial war aims would be seen as a defeat.
He’s tied his political legacy to achieving total victory, making even partial compromise politically toxic.
Kremlin Insiders: It’s not time to stop
A source close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin believes now is not the moment to end the war, fearing that Russian society and the military wouldn’t accept a withdrawal without clear success.
This perception is reinforcing the push to continue fighting.
Years of messaging have cemented public support
For years, the Kremlin has hammered home the idea that the war is essential for Russia’s survival.
That messaging has worked—early 2025 polling shows widespread public support for continuing the war, a sentiment the Kremlin helped create.
Militarization of the economy
Putin is increasingly tying Russia’s economy to military spending.
Heavy investment in the defense industrial base has made arms production a central driver of domestic output, making war not just political, but economic policy.
Peace would risk economic disruption
Analysts warn that if Russia were to sharply cut defense spending, the economy could take a significant hit.
That threat of economic downturn gives Putin even more reason to maintain the current wartime footing.
High casualties, but no shift in direction
Despite suffering heavy battlefield losses, the Kremlin remains focused on its long-term objectives.
There’s no sign of a strategic pivot, and the war effort continues with determination, regardless of the mounting costs.
No exit strategy in sight
Putin has done nothing to prepare the public—or himself—for any off-ramp that involves compromise.
With no groundwork laid for peace, Russia remains locked in a prolonged conflict with no clear end.
