High-ranking Russian security officials seem to assess that Russia needs to escalate the war against Ukraine rather than seek a way out through negotiations. They are not ready to give up the war because of heavy losses. This is reported by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

Senior Russian security and military officials are pushing for an escalation of hostilities in Ukraine, opposing any prospects of negotiations. Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Details: ISW analysts note that Russian security forces deem it crucial to escalate military operations in Ukraine,

Senior Russian security officials seem to assess that Russia needs to intensify its war against Ukraine rather than seek a negotiated exit. They are not ready to give up the war because of heavy losses,

President-elect Donald Trump said he is planning a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he wants to end the "bloody mess" of the Ukraine war.

President-elect Trump said late Thursday that a meeting is in the works with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss ending the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine. Why it matters: Trump said on the campaign trail that he would swiftly end the nearly three-year-old war in Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.

Vladimir Putin is facing mounting anger from Russia's elite as the war in Ukraine drags on and the country's economy continues to suffer under the weight of Western sanctions