Putin set to prolong Ukraine war, according to US intelligence - NBC
Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin is more determined than ever to continue the war against Ukraine and achieve victory on the battlefield, NBC News reports.
An analysis presented to members of the US Congress this month showed that American intelligence sees no signs that Russia is willing to compromise on Ukraine, while US President Donald Trump is trying to act as a mediator in peace talks.
This information was provided to the outlet by a senior US official and a high-ranking member of Congress.
According to two other sources, this assessment aligns with how the US and Western intelligence have viewed Russia’s position since February 2022, when Putin ordered the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.
At the same time, the official and the congressman say that Putin is now taking a firmer stance than ever.
Intelligence reports indicate that, faced with heavy Russian military losses and economic difficulties at home, the Russian leader seeks to retain Ukrainian territories and expand his country’s influence to justify the human and financial costs.
NBC added that the White House declined to comment on the recent intelligence assessment but pointed to Trump’s public statements about efforts to achieve peace.
“As the president stated, these are tremendous sanctions against their two big oil companies, which he hopes will help bring about the end of the war. He has been clear that it is time to stop the killing and make a deal to end the war,” the official said.
He added that the US will continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the war, and achieving a durable peace depends on Russia’s willingness to engage in sincere negotiations.
US pressure on Russia for peace in Ukraine
In mid-October, US President Donald Trump and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation, after which the American leader announced a new summit, this time planned to take place in Budapest.
However, the meeting fell through, as media reports indicated that Russia had not altered its maximalist demands regarding Ukraine. Trump himself confirmed that he canceled the meeting because he did not want to meet in vain and waste his time.
At the same time, the US began applying pressure. On the night of October 23, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. In addition, their subsidiaries were also targeted.
According to Reuters, the US has prepared another package of measures in case Putin continues to prolong the war. Yesterday, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker publicly stated that Trump will impose new sanctions to compel Putin to come to the negotiating table to end the war.
