Kremlin Enacts Year-Round Conscription, Signals Prolonged Ukraine Conflict

The Kremlin has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Russia to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 10 to 12 days, reaffirming that Russia's 'special military operation' will continue. Russia's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that while Moscow remains committed to a peace process, the war will go on, and recent talks with Kyiv have not produced a breakthrough. Trump's shortened deadline came with threats of 100% tariffs on Russian goods and secondary sanctions on countries buying Russian oil if Moscow refuses to negotiate. Analysts suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to concede unless forced by significant Ukrainian military victories. Concurrently, Russia is intensifying its military preparations, including a new conscription law proposed to allow year-round drafts, signaling readiness for a prolonged conflict potentially involving NATO. Despite ongoing strikes causing civilian casualties in Ukraine, Moscow claims it is interested in resuming dialogue but requires reciprocal efforts from both sides.