Vladimir Putin is convinced that Russia will win its war in Ukraine, and does not believe that new US sanctions will have much impact, three sources with insight into discussions in the Kremlin told Reuters.

According to the people, this makes Putin feel determined to continue the war, despite the threat from Trump.

Putin's goal is to fully conquer the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia and Kherson, which Russia has claimed as its own. Only then is he believed to be open to starting peace talks, a source said.

Since May, Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have met three times, but have not achieved any further progress because the parties remain very far apart.

Russia is demanding, among other things, that Ukraine completely withdraw from the four designated regions and accept limitations on the size of the Ukrainian military - demands that Ukraine has rejected, according to Reuters.

Threatens 100 percent tariffs

Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to pressure Putin to end the fighting. One of his most explicit threats is the deadline he has given Putin to achieve a ceasefire with Ukraine by August 8th – this Friday.

If no ceasefire is reached, the US will impose 100 percent tariffs on all countries that import oil from Russia, according to Trump.

Trump's mood worries Putin

According to a source, Putin is"worried" about Trump's irritation and the deterioration of relations with the United States, but hopes to be able to start trading with the West again in the future.

But even if Putin values the relationship with Trump highly and does not want to anger him, Putin cannot afford to end the war just because Trump wants it, says another Russian source.

Furthermore, Putin does not seem to be taking the threat of new tariffs seriously, as it is unclear whether Trump will make it a reality – “he has threatened before” and then not acted, as one source puts it.

Last-minute negotiations

Even author James Rodgers, who has written a book about Putin, claims that it is unlikely that Putin will back down from the war now.

"We know from his previous writings and statements that he sees himself as part of a strong tradition of standing up to the West and the rest of the world to defend Russia's interests," James Rodgers told Reuters.

Despite everything, the US does not seem to have given up hope for a deal. With just a few days left, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit Russia this week to negotiate a deal.

Reportedly considering a ceasefire in the air

According to the Bloomberg news agency, Putin is also considering offering a ceasefire in the air as a way to meet Trump's demands.

This would mean a halt to bombing and the use of drones. However, it would require Ukraine to also agree to stop using airborne weapons for the ceasefire to take effect.