Geneva. European intelligence officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, say Russia has little interest in bringing the war to a swift end. Four of them added that Moscow is using the talks with Washington primarily to press for the easing of sanctions and to negotiate trade agreements.
"It's a negotiating theater", said one of the intelligence chiefs, referring to the talks, the latest round of which took place this week in Geneva. Ukraine, meanwhile, claims that the White House is seeking to secure peace by June, ahead of the November congressional elections in the US.
Moscow's goals
One European official said Moscow’s strategic objectives remain unchanged. They include removing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and turning Ukraine into a “neutral” state that would serve as a buffer against the West.
Another intelligence chief said Russia neither wants nor needs a rapid peace, as its economy is “not on the brink of collapse”. European agencies regard Russia as one of their top intelligence priorities.
