Name: As peace talks go on, U.S. intel says Putins war goals unchanged
Uploaded: 2025-12-21T16:41:01.332Z
Duration: 1 min 31 s
Description: U.S. intelligence reports continue to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire, six sources familiar with U.S. intelligence said.

U.S. intelligence reports continue to warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire, six sources familiar with U.S. intelligence said.

Washington

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

U.S. negotiators and Russian officials recently held talks in Florida to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. However, U.S. intelligence sources report that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not shifted his goal of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of the former Soviet empire.

These intelligence findings differ from the narrative presented by U.S. President Donald Trump and his peace team, who assert that Putin is seeking to end the conflict. The assessments align more closely with the views of European leaders and agencies, who believe Putin's ambitions extend to other former Soviet bloc territories, including NATO members.

As peace talks go on, U.S. intel says Putin's war goals unchanged

U.S. negotiators met Russian officials in Florida on Saturday for the latest talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine. However, U.S. intelligence reports continue to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin has not abandoned his aim of capturing all of Ukraine. Six sources familiar with U.S. intelligence said Putin also desires to reclaim parts of the former Soviet empire. It's a starkly different picture from what U.S. President Donald Trump and his peace negotiators have painted, claiming Putin wants to end the conflict. It also contradicts the Russian leader's denials that he is a threat to Europe. But it largely aligns with the views of European leaders and spy agencies. They believe Putin covets all of Ukraine and territories of former Soviet bloc states, including members of the NATO alliance, according to the sources. Russia has seized control of about 20 percent of Ukraine's territory since its full-scale invasion in 2022. As part of his proposed 20-point peace plan, Trump is pressuring Kiev to withdraw from the small part of Donetsk they control, according to two sources familiar with the matter. It's understood Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and most Ukrainians reject that proposal. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the CIA, and the Russian embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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As peace talks go on, U.S. intel says Putin's war goals unchanged

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Ukraine Invasion