Deteriorating relations with Trump will not compel Putin to end the war; Russia plans extensive rearmament.

According to The Guardian, Putin does not seem embarrassed by the first tangible rift between US President Donald Trump and Moscow, indicating that the Russian dictator has long anticipated this development. Although Russia considers the worsening of ties with Trump regrettable – particularly since the US president has sharply shifted his tone, announcing support for Ukraine and threatening extensive sanctions against Russia – sources say that, for Putin, the war has always remained a top priority.

Analysts suggest that Trump’s 50-day ultimatum is likely to prompt Putin to escalate military actions. A former Kremlin official mentioned that Putin is “obsessed” with not appearing weak and is unlikely to soften his stance in response to Trump’s threats.

Additionally, Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia plans to spend roughly $1.1T on rearmament by 2036. “There is a total mobilization of the Russian Federation’s politics, economy, and society to prepare for a future large-scale war,” emphasized Kyrylo Budanov, head of the State Security Service, adding: “The Russian Federation seeks to destroy the Western security and economic order.”