Observers describe Ukraine negotiations as merely a tactical maneuver

The heads of five European intelligence services are pessimistic about the chances of ending the Russian war in Ukraine this year, despite Donald Trump's statements that US-mediated negotiations are "relatively close" to an agreement.

They told Reuters on condition of anonymity that Moscow is not interested in a quick peace and that they consider the current talks to be tactical maneuvering rather than a genuine attempt to reach an agreement.

According to four of them, Russia is using the negotiations to push for sanctions relief and expanded trade cooperation with the United States. So far, the latest round of talks in Geneva has not brought any progress on key issues, including territory. Moscow is demanding that Ukraine withdraw from the remaining part of the Donetsk region that it does not control, which Kyiv refuses to do.

At the same time, intelligence officials say Russia's strategic goals have not changed and include weakening or replacing the leadership in Kyiv. They also point to efforts to divide the negotiations into a section on the war and a separate line on bilateral agreements with the US, including sanctions.

Although the Russian economy is under pressure, sources say it remains resilient. Some analysts are talking about growth of around one percent, which suggests stagnation but not collapse.

(reuters, max)