Putin Pushes Trump’s Buttons Again, Dismissing Don's Ukraine Peace Plan as Just a Starting Point for More Negotiations

Table of Contents

• Putin's Comments on Peace Plan
• Impact of US Sanctions
• Russia's Military Production
• CSTO Arms Proposal
• European Military Preparations
• Recent Attacks and Responses

VLADIMIR Putin has dismissed allegations that Moscow seeks to expand further into Europe, instead suggesting that Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could serve as the “foundation” for a future treaty.

Breaking his silence on the US-brokered agreement for the first time, Putin sidestepped inquiries regarding the status of negotiations – a tactic that may provoke renewed anger from President Trump.

Russia continues to produce weaponry at an alarming rateCredit: AFP Putin believes it is essential to enhance Russia’s combat readinessCredit: AP

The Russian leader stated that Russia is prepared for “serious” discussions and mentioned that a US delegation, including Steve Witkoff, will be visiting Moscow next week.

However, he cautioned that US sanctions against Russian oil companies are damaging any existing relationship between his country and the US.

Putin asserted that Russia “does not have any aggressive intentions towards Europe,” and any claims to the contrary are absurd.

Despite these assertions, the Russian military continues to manufacture missiles at an alarming pace.

The possibility of World War Three was raised by US Army Secretary Daniel P Driscoll during a meeting with Western diplomats in Kyiv.

This has led to intensified efforts to secure a peace agreement with Russia.

Such an agreement would ideally mitigate the risk of other European nations being affected or, even worse, drawn into the conflict.

While a pause in hostilities is unlikely to halt production, ending the conflict may eliminate the Kremlin's need to unleash its deadly arsenal on European neighbors.

It is believed that Russia’s stockpile includes an increasing number of hypersonic missiles and drones.

Consequently, Driscoll has strongly urged Ukraine to finalize a peace agreement as soon as possible.

The latest estimates suggest that Russia is capable of producing nearly 3,000 cruise and ballistic missiles annually.

“The launches are not keeping pace with production,” stated Fabian Hoffmann, a missile expert at the University of Oslo.

Hoffmann also warned that a Russian victory could pose significant challenges for the rest of Europe.

“If Russia emerges victorious from this conflict, they might become quite adventurous in the future and possess a substantial stockpile of long-range weapons,” he remarked.

In a related statement, Putin indicated that Moscow has sufficient firepower to supply weapons to ex-Soviet states within the Russian-led CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation).

Accepting this offer would further entrench these nations under the Kremlin's influence.

Addressing the CSTO session in Bishkek, Putin declared: “We propose initiating a large-scale program to equip the collective forces with modern Russian weapons and technology that have demonstrated their effectiveness during actual combat operations [in Ukraine].”

He insisted on “enhancing the combat readiness of national contingents and improving the command of the collective forces.”

European leaders are preparing for the worst-case scenarioCredit: EPA Many European nations are rapidly enhancing their military capabilitiesCredit: Getty

This follows overnight strikes by Putin’s forces on Ukraine, despite US-led attempts to secure a peace treaty.

A 53-year-old man was killed in the Sumy region as attacks targeted civilians in their homes.

Additional strikes affected Dnipropetrovsk and surrounding areas.

Last week, a 12-year-old girl was among 35 individuals killed in missile strikes on Ternopil.

Ukraine retaliated with a drone strike on an oil refinery in Novokuybyshevsk.

Throughout Europe, leaders have begun to escalate preparations for the potential of a Russian invasion.

In France, this includes reintroducing a limited form of military service.

Volunteers will receive up to €10,000 (£8,000) to participate in a 10-month program.

This initiative aims to increase the number of reservists by up to 50,000 annually.