ISW assessed what is behind Putin's refusal to go for a ceasefire.

The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, refuses to cease fire in Ukraine and seeks to prolong the process of any peace agreements. According to the ISW report, the Kremlin rejects the proposal from the USA and Ukraine for a ceasefire and, on the contrary, tries to use it to strengthen Russian forces. Experts estimate that Putin will violate any peace agreement and blame Ukraine for its non-fulfillment.

Furthermore, the publication notes that Putin's recent calls for direct telephone dialogue with Trump are an attempt to position Russia and the USA as equal powers on the world stage. It is pointed out that Putin is trying to delay negotiations on a possible temporary ceasefire, and his latest public statements align with this strategy.

The US intelligence believes that Putin still intends to seize Ukraine, which confirms long-term ISW assessments of his strategic goals. Recently published classified US intelligence documents also indicate that Putin continues to assert his role and gain control over Ukraine.

However, according to estimates by four representatives of Western intelligence and two members of the US Congress, there is no evidence of Putin's readiness for genuine peace agreements. Despite negotiations with the US presidential administration, the Kremlin continues to adhere to its plans for subjugating Ukraine.

President Trump warns that if Putin refuses the ceasefire, there will be 'bad news for the world'.