These conclusions contradict the statements of U.S. President Donald Trump and his team, who claim that Putin wishes to end the conflict. Furthermore, they contradict Putin's own statements that Russia does not threaten Europe.
As reported by Reuters, the opinion of American intelligence largely aligns with the assessments of European intelligence agencies. U.S. House Intelligence Committee member Mike Quigley noted that Europe is confident in the continuation of Moscow's expansionist ambitions.
He commented: "Intelligence data has always indicated that Putin needs more. Europeans are absolutely convinced of this. The Poles believe it, and in the Baltic states, they think they could be next."
On December 19, during his "direct line," Putin once again stated his readiness to "resolve the conflict peacefully," but on the terms he outlined in June 2024, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, which Russia considers its own, as well as an official renunciation of Ukraine's NATO membership.
According to Reuters, Trump's negotiators, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff, have been discussing a 20-point peace plan with representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and European countries for several weeks. However, the territorial issue remains the main obstacle to reaching an agreement.
Two sources from the agency reported that Trump continues to pressure Kyiv, insisting that Ukraine cede about 20% of the territory of the Donetsk region, which is still under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejects such a demand.
Currently, Russia controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory, including Crimea.
