Classified U.S. intelligence reports, including one from early March, indicate that Vladimir Putin remains intent on “dominating” Ukraine, raising questions about his willingness to negotiate an end to the war, The Washington Post reported, citing sources familiar with the documents.
According to one source, a March 6 intelligence assessment states that Putin remains determined to gain control over Kyiv, though the source did not specify what that entails.
Some current and former U.S. officials believe that even if Putin agrees to a temporary ceasefire, he would use the pause to rearm and later break the truce — potentially staging a provocation and blaming Ukraine. Others note that there is no indication Putin has abandoned his goal of bringing Ukraine into Russia’s “security and economic orbit.”
It remains unclear whether Donald Trump has been briefed on the March 6 report, but a Washington Post source said this is the type of intelligence typically shared with the president. Another source told the newspaper that some assessments of Putin’s resolve appear to frustrate Trump. The Washington Post noted that this frustration may be reflected in recent discussions within the U.S. administration about possibly tightening sanctions on Russia.
The intelligence findings highlight the challenges facing Trump and raise questions about whether the White House is accurately assessing Putin’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, according to The Washington Post.
### Putin endorses idea of a ceasefire — with ‘nuances’ Zelensky says the statement is ‘manipulative’ but Trump thinks it’s ‘promising’### Putin endorses idea of a ceasefire — with ‘nuances’ Zelensky says the statement is ‘manipulative’ but Trump thinks it’s ‘promising’