Russian President Vladimir Putin is not interested in achieving real peace in Ukraine, US television channel NBC News reports with reference to four representatives of US intelligence services and two US Congress members.
According to the US intelligence servicemen, Putin believes he is winning, and he hopes for a moment to take control over the entirety of Ukraine’s territory.
NBC News was told that Putin may agree to a ceasefire because it would give his army time to recover. One of the sources told NBC News that Putin’s goals remain maximal. According to this source, Putin has no plan to withdraw forces from Ukraine.
According to NBC News, western officials believe Putin may organise talks, but only to determine what concessions he can achieve.