According to the agency, some advisors suggested that the Russian leader consider a ceasefire option while maintaining the existing line of contact. However, Putin, as sources told Reuters, rejected this idea and stated that the priority remains establishing full control over the Donbas territory. Two agency sources believe that there is a high likelihood of a new escalation of hostilities in the coming months. One of the sources, who regularly meets with Putin, assessed the probability of such a scenario as very high. According to Reuters, recent strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian oil refineries, ports, and fuel infrastructure have not changed the Kremlin's position. On the contrary, sources claim that these attacks have only strengthened the resolve of the Russian leadership to continue the military campaign. In a comment to the agency, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia is "ready for a peaceful settlement," but has sufficient capabilities to continue the military operation. For its part, a Ukrainian official told Reuters that data from Ukrainian intelligence in recent months indicates that Russia is preparing for new offensive actions rather than peaceful negotiations. The Reuters publication appeared against the backdrop of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that the prospects for resolving the conflict are "closer than many think." However, according to agency sources, the Kremlin is not currently considering halting hostilities as a priority.