Putin scraps peace talks, vows to intensify war on Ukraine

According to "The Moscow Times," there was hope for an agreement between Russia and Ukraine as recently as this summer, with both sides planning to make peace in Qatar. However, Putin suddenly changed his mind.

As reported by the newspaper, the agreement was supposed to take place on August 22-23. However, Putin drastically changed his mind due to alleged actions by Ukraine. The dictator reportedly claimed that Ukraine used the preparations for peace talks as a cover for operations on Russian territory.

According to the newspaper, Putin halted consideration of peace talks with Kyiv after the attack on the Kursk region. He allegedly stated that he would continue the conflict until Ukraine fell apart.

According to The Moscow Times, Putin was reportedly disheartened by the situation and reiterated that Kyiv used the planned meeting in Qatar as a cover for operations on Russian territory.

The newspaper's source indicated that the Kremlin concluded it would aim to destroy Ukraine. "Now it smells of no-holds-barred fighting," the source reported.