Putin determined to continue war in Ukraine - US intelligence assessment

American intelligence assesses that russian president vladimir putin is determined to continue the war against Ukraine and is committed to winning on the battlefield. NBC News reports that the analysis, which was shared with members of the US Congress, found no signs of moscow's willingness to compromise, while US President Donald Trump is trying to mediate peace talks, NBC News reports.

According to senior sources in the US Congress and administration, the assessment is consistent with US and Western intelligence observations since February 2022, when putin ordered an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the kremlin's current position is considered to be more hardline than ever.

US intelligence notes that the russian dictator is seeking to retain Ukrainian territories and expand russia's influence, despite serious troop losses and economic difficulties at home. The White House declined to comment on the recent intelligence assessment, but emphasized Trump's public statements about efforts to achieve peace.

"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 United States will continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the war, and a permanent peace depends on Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith," the US administration noted. They added that a peaceful settlement would depend on russia's readiness for honest negotiations.

We would like to remind you that in mid-October, Donald Trump and vladimir putin had a telephone conversation, after which a new summit in Budapest was planned. However, the meeting did not take place, as russia did not change its maximalist demands regarding Ukraine. Trump himself confirmed that he canceled the meeting in order not to waste time.

Recall, putin ordered the capture of Pokrovsk by mid-November.