Putin dismisses pressure from disillusioned Trump as Russia advances in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to disregard pressure from a disillusioned US leader Donald Trump, according to The New York Times, citing sources and expert analysis. “The Russian leader is convinced that Russia’s battlefield superiority is growing and that Ukraine’s defenses could collapse in the coming months. Given the ongoing Russian offensive, Putin believes it is impossible to end hostilities without significant concessions from Ukraine,” the publication quoted two sources close to the Kremlin. As Trump voices his dissatisfaction with Putin, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Russian president is willing to risk his relationship with Trump to conclude the conflict on Russia’s terms.