Iryna Nesterova17:16, 15.07.25

The dictator considers Russia’s goals in the war with Ukraine much more important than any potential economic losses from Western pressure, the publication writes.

Russian ruler Vladimir Putin is not afraid of threats from US President Donald Trump and intends to continue the war in Ukraine until the West agrees to his terms. Moreover, the dictator’s territorial demands may grow as Russian troops advance in Ukraine, Reuters reports , citing three sources close to the Kremlin.

According to Putin, the publication’s interlocutors told him, Russia, having survived the harshest Western sanctions, can withstand further economic difficulties, including tariffs directed against buyers of Russian oil.

According to the source, despite several phone conversations with Trump and several meetings with US special representative Steve Witkoff, Putin believes that no one has seriously discussed the details of a peace agreement in Ukraine with him.

“Putin values his relationship with Trump and had good talks with Witkoff, but Russia’s interests come first,” the source added.Read also:

Sources also said that Putin’s conditions for peace include a commitment by NATO not to expand eastward, Ukraine’s neutrality, limitations on its army, protection of Russian-speaking people living in Ukraine, and recognition of Russia’s territorial gains.

Putin is also reportedly ready to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine with the participation of major powers, although, according to sources, it is not clear how this would work.

Another source said that the dictator considers Russia’s goals in the war with Ukraine much more important than any potential economic losses from Western pressure, and therefore, he is said to be unconcerned by US threats to impose tariffs on China and India.

Two sources cited other arguments that encourage Russia to continue the war, including its battlefield achievements and its production of key munitions, which allegedly surpasses that of NATO countries.

One source also suggested that Putin may want to occupy even more territory, because, as they say, “appetite comes with eating.” Two other sources, the publication writes, independently confirmed this.

“Russia will act based on Ukraine’s weakness,” a third source said.

According to him, Moscow may stop its offensive after conquering four regions of Ukraine if it encounters stiff resistance, but if not, it will also conquer Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.

(C)UNIAN 2025