President Vladimir Putin remains determined to pursue Russia’s military objectives in Ukraine, undeterred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of harsher sanctions and increased military aid to Kyiv, according to three sources close to the Kremlin.
Russia’s economy and military are resilient enough to withstand additional Western pressure, the sources said, with Putin prioritizing territorial gains and strategic demands over economic concerns.
Since launching the invasion in February 2022, Putin has sought a legally binding guarantee against NATO’s eastward expansion, Ukrainian neutrality, and recognition of Russia’s control over annexed regions, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.
Russia currently controls nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, having gained 1,415 square kilometers in the past three months, per DeepStateMap data.
“Appetite comes with eating,” one source said, suggesting Putin may expand territorial ambitions if Ukraine’s defenses weaken.
The sources indicated that Putin could push for control of additional regions like Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv if Russian forces continue to advance, though he might pause after securing four eastern regions if resistance intensifies.
Despite multiple phone calls with Putin and visits by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, the Kremlin believes substantive peace talks have not materialized.
“Putin values the relationship with Trump and had good discussions with Witkoff, but the interests of Russia come above all else,” one source said.
Trump’s recent push for a ceasefire and threats of tariffs on Russian oil buyers, including China and India, have failed to sway Putin, who views Russia’s war economy as robust enough to endure further sanctions.