Russian hawks urge Putin to escalate war, drop US talks as Ukraine strikes deep

Russian hardliners are pressuring President Vladimir Putin to intensify the conflict with Ukraine and abandon any diplomatic negotiations, especially with the U.S., after recent Ukrainian drone attacks. They believe these strikes signify a failure of U.S.-brokered peace talks to deliver favorable terms for Russia. This shift could lead to a more aggressive Russian military stance, complicating any potential peace efforts and intensifying the conflict. The situation underscores the volatility and potential escalation risks in the region.