Putin rejects Trump’s initiative: what is behind the refusal and why it worsens Russia’s position

Vladimir Putin’s rejection of Donald Trump’s peace proposal became more noticeable than the initiative itself. In a piece for The Guardian, Simon Tisdall notes: the situation is worsening for Moscow, and Putin’s decision does not appear rational. Rather, it is a gesture hiding the fear of losing control, not confidence in his position.

Trump attempted to propose an agreement that would essentially cement Russia’s territorial gains and weaken Ukraine. Such a document could split the West and temporarily support the Russian economy. But Putin rejected the proposal, as if counting on a victory that no one — even in his circle — perceives as guaranteed anymore.

Promises of a quick victory sound less convincing, the war drags on, and Putin’s confidence seems declarative.

Russia’s Economy in Decline

The numbers demonstrate weakness that is not offset by statements of “stability.” Oil and gas revenues have decreased by 27%. Inflation is heading towards 8%, rates exceed 16%, and the budget deficit is growing.

Ukraine strikes Russian energy facilities, leading to fuel shortages in several regions. “Rosneft” and “Lukoil,” previously key economic pillars, face pressure due to sanctions and the caution of Asian buyers who do not want to risk secondary U.S. sanctions.

International Isolation Intensifies

The situation on the international stage is worsening: Syria is cautiously returning to contact with the West, Iran is under serious pressure from the U.S. and Israel, Venezuela is seeking help from other partners.

China is distancing itself from Moscow, demonstrating that the “limitlessness” of cooperation exists only in rhetoric. In meetings with Indian leadership, Putin appeared not as an ally, but as a leader who has lost negotiating weight.

The Illusion of Victory

The Kremlin continues to speak of strategic successes, but they are based on limited frontline episodes. The losses are great, and Russian society is growing weary.

Journalist Alexey Kovalev notes that after the war, Russia may face a deep social crisis, as the repressive model only works in the absence of systemic upheavals — and such upheavals are already visible.

Trump and His Strategy

Tisdall emphasizes: Trump’s attempts to “appease” Moscow worsen Ukraine’s situation. Such an approach convinces Putin that Western pressure may decrease.

But instead of concessions, Kyiv’s allies should strengthen military and financial support, or they risk facing an even more destructive scenario in Europe.

Russia remains a large country, but scale does not guarantee strength. And the longer the war continues, the more obvious it becomes: Putin is losing the resource he considered unshakable. The editorial team of NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency is following the development of the situation.