An assessment of United States intelligence services warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin is more determined than ever to continue the war in Ukraine and achieve a battlefield victory, according to a high-ranking American official and a senior Congressional official, reports NBC News.
The analysis, delivered to Congress members earlier this month, shows that American agencies see no sign that Russia is willing to compromise on Ukraine, while President Donald Trump is trying to mediate peace negotiations.
This assessment is consistent with how American and Western intelligence services have interpreted the Russian regime’s position since February 2022, when Putin ordered the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, according to two other people familiar with the subject. However, according to the cited American officials, Putin is now considered more entrenched than ever in his decision.
Putin, determined to continue the war despite losses
Despite heavy losses among Russian troops and economic problems in the country, the Kremlin leader remains committed to gaining control over Ukrainian territories and expanding his influence, to justify the human and financial costs of the war, shows the intelligence services’ assessment, according to the cited officials.
The sign that Trump’s frustration is growing came last week when he canceled a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest, Hungary, and, for the first time since his return to the White House in January, imposed sanctions against Moscow, targeting two major Russian oil companies.
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