Putin hasn’t abandoned plans to seize Ukraine, U.S. intel confirms

According to The Washington Post, citing sources familiar with classified U.S. intelligence reports, a secret assessment presented to Trump administration officials on March 6 states that Putin is still determined to bring Kyiv under his control.  

These intelligence reports do not evaluate President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end the war or the prospects of a proposed 30-day ceasefire. However, they do raise questions about whether the White House correctly assesses Putin’s willingness to negotiate peace.  

Some current and former U.S. officials believe that even if the Russian leader agrees to a temporary truce, he would likely use it to regroup and rearm his forces—and may ultimately violate the agreement, blaming Ukraine for any breakdown.  

Other officials noted that the intelligence reports cautiously mention potential conditions under which Putin might agree to peace. Yet, they acknowledge that there are no signs Moscow has abandoned its goal of drawing Ukraine into its sphere of influence. "Putin has long had a vision of restoring ‘Mother Russia,’" one official stated.  

It remains unclear whether Trump was personally briefed on the March 6 intelligence report. However, a source familiar with the matter indicated that this type of analysis is traditionally shared with the president.  

Another WP source suggested that some U.S. intelligence assessments regarding Putin’s intransigence appear to frustrate Trump. In recent days, his team has once again threatened Russia with severe sanctions if it refuses to end the war.  

Meanwhile, a European intelligence official, citing data collected over the past month, said that Moscow views Trump as weak, lacking firm principles, and potentially susceptible to manipulation.  

The European source further assessed that if a permanent ceasefire is reached, Moscow would likely return to its pre-invasion tactics of undermining Ukraine through hybrid and non-military means.  

This would include economic and diplomatic pressure, infiltration of Ukrainian elites, business circles, security services, and armed forces, as well as influence through the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine, the official stated.

• Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin stated that Russia agrees with the proposal to cease hostilities in Ukraine but emphasized that "this must lead to a long-term peace."