**Putin Dismisses Trump's Ultimatum for Ukraine Ceasefire**

**President Putin's recent remarks at a monastery suggest he views the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as a strategic endeavor, disregarding US pressure for peace talks, while Ukraine's leadership remains open to negotiations.**

Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled his intent to pursue further negotiations with Ukraine while simultaneously asserting that Russian forces are "advancing on the entire front line." This assertion comes in the wake of an ultimatum from former US President Donald Trump urging a ceasefire within a specific timeframe, which Putin has seemingly brushed off, opting instead to repeat his requests for Ukrainian neutrality and acknowledgment of territory under Russian control—conditions the Ukrainian government views as unacceptable.

In recent statements made at the Valaam Monastery in north-western Russia, Putin attributed the frustrations of other nations regarding the conflict to “inflated expectations,” suggesting that there are no immediate solutions in sight, despite the international outcry for a cessation of hostilities. His comments followed a particularly deadly air assault that left numerous civilians in Kyiv dead or injured, highlighting the increasingly dire situation for Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his readiness to negotiate, questioning whether Russia's engagement in talks shows a genuine commitment to peace or is merely a strategy to delay accountability for ongoing violence. Zelensky's skepticism is fueled by recent increases in Russian attacks across the country, which have intensified fears of further territorial encroachments.

Despite Trump’s pressure for an end to the conflict, the Kremlin's response indicates Putin is unswayed, with allies like Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko outright dismissing any timelines set by foreign leaders. This sentiment echoes across Russian state media, where there's growing skepticism regarding the US's ability to impose sanctions effectively.

As the situation continues to evolve, US officials emphasize the necessity for Russia and Ukraine to negotiate a durable peace, with Trump’s administration prepared to enforce tougher sanctions should there be no resolution by the new deadline. As diplomatic efforts struggle against the backdrop of ongoing military actions, the resolution to the conflict remains uncertain.