Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to ignore a Friday deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump to agree to a ceasefire or face sweeping new sanctions. The measures could include 100% tariffs on Russian oil exports to countries like China and India.
Sources familiar with Kremlin discussions told Reuters that Putin remains determined to seize full control of four Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—which Moscow claims as its own. Despite heavy sanctions already in place, Putin reportedly believes further U.S. pressure will not derail Russia’s war effort.
Three rounds of peace talks since May have yielded little beyond limited humanitarian agreements. Russia’s demands include a full Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied regions, neutrality, and military restrictions—conditions Kyiv has rejected.
While the Kremlin is reportedly concerned about damaging relations with Trump, officials do not view the U.S. ultimatum as decisive. Past threats from Trump have been walked back, and Moscow doubts China or India would comply with any secondary penalties.
The White House has said Trump wants to stop the killing and is prepared to impose “biting” tariffs and sanctions. A U.S. envoy is expected in Moscow this week, but it remains unclear whether diplomacy can avert another escalation.
