Putin rules out talks with Zelensky amid civil aviation threat

In a recent statement reported by RT, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that there would be no negotiations with what he termed as “terrorists,” in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s threat to civil aviation. The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with ongoing hostilities affecting prospects for a ceasefire. Putin’s firm stance is seen as a major impediment to diplomatic progress, particularly in light of Zelensky’s recent statements that have further strained relations. This development has been interpreted by markets as a setback to the likelihood of a formal ceasefire agreement being reached by the end of 2026. Key Takeaways Market pricing suggests a significant decrease in the probability of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire agreement by December 31, 2026, following Putin’s statement. The current odds for a ceasefire agreement by the end of 2026 are now at 18.5% YES, reflecting a downward trend over the past week. Putin’s comments appear to align with market behavior that anticipates continued diplomatic stalemate and increased tensions. What to Watch Market participants will be closely observing any further statements from key ...