Putin not swayed by Trump’s Ukraine war ultimatum

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his hopes for more peace talks with Ukraine – but he stressed that his forces “are advancing in the entire confrontation line”, despite the threat of US sanctions that have not been agreed upon.

“All disappointments arise from the enlarged expectations,” Putin said, in a clear reference to “Tram’s disappointment” with the Russian leader for not putting an end to the war.

Speak a day One of the bloody Russian air attacks on KyivHe repeated his demands for Ukrainian neutrality and recognition of the occupied territories, which Ukraine views as surrender.

Ukrainian President Folodimir Zelinski said he was ready to meet Putin “at any time.”

Speaking on Friday at Deir Valam on an island in northwestern Russia, Putin said he expected negotiations with Ukraine to continue, adding that he had seen “positive negotiations.”

But in a veiled indication of the increasing pressure from Ukraine and its Western allies to agree to the long -term ceasefire, he said: “As for any disappointments on the part of anyone, all disappointments arise from enlarged expectations.

Our enemies and their patients … now they have one fiery passion: to stop our progress [on the front line in Ukraine] At any cost.

Ukraine and its allies have repeatedly accused Russia of stopping peace negotiations and rejecting any meaningful ceasefire, saying that Moscow is trying to seize more Ukrainian lands.

Three rounds from Russia-Ukraine speak in Istanbul, Türkiye, in recent months, ended without any major penetration. However, the two sides agreed to swap several thousand prisoners of war.

Speaking shortly after Putin’s comments, Zelinski asked whether Russia shows “a serious preparation for the end of the war with dignity and a really permanent peace” or whether it was just an attempt to buy more time for war and postpone sanctions. ”

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified its killer drones and a missile at Ukraine.

On Thursday, at least 31 people – including five children – were killed in a Russian air attack on the Ukrainian capital.

US President Donald Trump condemned Russia’s actions, threatening new sanctions.

“I think it is disgusting what they are doing,” he told reporters.

When Trump announced in July, the original 50 -day deadline for Russia to end the war, Putin did not interact. When this was reduced to 10-12 days, Putin did not say anything.

But Friday, the Kremlin leader did not leave doubt that he would not have swing before the White House warning.

Trump may claim that he is “disappointed” with Putin for not making peace – but the Russian leader is not regretful.

His guest was on the island of Valem, the leader of the Belarusian authoritarian Alexander Lukashenko, was more direct in his dismissal in the deadline of Trump.

“50 days, 60 days, 10 days. You are not doing such a policy,” Lukashenko said.

The experiment shows that for Trump, the final dates are not placed in the stone. But on paper, at least, the deadline ends on August 8.

If Russia does not have a ceasefire in Ukraine, it will face more sanctions – so in theory, countries that buy Russian oil.

But by judging what the Russian government media says in recent days, many in Moscow suspect that the White House will go through it with more strict sanctions.

What’s more, what Putin said on Friday about Russia’s progress along the entire line of confrontation in Ukraine, and it is clearly believed that the ceasefire is now in the interest of Moscow.

Ukrainian officials said on Friday that Kiev received “positive signals” from the United States about possible new sanctions.

One day before that, the prominent American diplomat John Kelly told the UN Security Council that Russia and Ukraine should “negotiate a ceasefire and a solid peace.”

“It is time to conclude a deal,” he said.

The US President said earlier this week that Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkeov, who is currently in Israel, will visit Russia after that. He did not give more details.