Russian President Vladimir Putin has not given up his objective of controlling Ukraine, according to a classified U.S. intelligence assessment shared with senior officials earlier this month.
The report was presented on March 6, according to The Washington Post, which cited sources familiar with the document.
The intelligence does not assess the diplomatic efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump or evaluate the potential success of current ceasefire proposals, but it includes analysis of Russia's strategic goals in Ukraine.
Officials familiar with the report said it concludes that Putin remains focused on gaining control over Kyiv, despite ongoing discussions about a temporary ceasefire.
Ceasefire or Stalling Tactic?
On March 13, Putin publicly stated that Russia might consider a 30-day ceasefire—but only if Ukraine agreed to halt mobilization, military training, and foreign weapons shipments during the pause.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded the same day, accusing Putin of using “manipulative rhetoric” to create the illusion of engagement without making real concessions.
Zelenskyy warned that Moscow is deliberately stalling negotiations, possibly to buy time for military regrouping.
That concern is echoed by current and former U.S. officials, some of whom told The Washington Post they believe Putin would likely exploit any ceasefire to retrain and rearm Russian forces, potentially violating the agreement under the guise of provocation.
“Even if Putin agrees to a ceasefire, there's a good chance he’ll use it to prepare for the next phase of aggression,” one unnamed official reportedly said.
With former President Trump now leading efforts to broker a truce, U.S. intelligence agencies are reportedly concerned that any pause in fighting may not lead to lasting peace—and could instead play into Moscow’s hands.
