In Short:
– Putin is determined to ignore Trump’s sanctions ultimatum and focus on capturing Ukrainian regions.
– Moscow doubts the effectiveness of further sanctions, feeling resilient against external pressures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin remains resolute against a sanctions ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Reuters, Putin aims to capture four Ukrainian regions in their entirety and does not consider Trump’s threats, including a potential 100% tariff on oil imports, to be significant.Sources indicate that while Putin values relations with Trump, achieving military objectives takes priority.

His goals include solidifying control over Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, supposedly to use as leverage for future peace negotiations.

Current diplomatic efforts have seen limited progress, primarily focusing on humanitarian exchanges.

Sanction Effectiveness

Despite ongoing military pressure and recent territorial gains, sources suggest that Moscow is sceptical about the impact of further sanctions.

While there are concerns regarding deteriorating U.S. relations, the Kremlin believes it has adapted to external pressures.

Trump’s sanctions are viewed as problematic but not catastrophic.

Reports indicate Russia continues to receive military support and is not severely impeded by sanctions despite previous economic challenges.