Recent developments suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine, dismissing various peace proposals, including those from former President Trump. The Kremlin has expressed skepticism regarding Western intentions for negotiations, indicating a firm stance on seizing territories like Donbas. Despite U.S. efforts to mediate peace, Kremlin officials assert that Ukrainian strikes will not help to end the conflict, and bolster the prospect of increased military action. Additionally, reports of potential strikes on NATO bases have emerged, emphasizing a significant shift towards aggression rather than diplomacy.