American intelligence does not notice no signs that would indicate Russia's readiness to compromise on Ukraine. This assessment, as the sources emphasize, is consistent with the current analyzes of Western intelligence agencies, which since the beginning of the invasion in February 2022 have pointed to the Kremlin's consistently tough stance.
See also: The US threatens Russia with further sanctions. Donald Trump is putting pressure on Europe
However, now, as noted by a senior US official and a member of Congress, Putin seems even more adamant in his actions.
Putin wants to justify the human and financial losses
According to the intelligence report, despite serious military and economic losses, the Russian president seeks to take over Ukrainian territory and expand Russia's influence. The purpose of these actions is to justify the enormous human and financial costs to his country.
And they are getting bigger, as we have written about many times in Business Insider Polska. Currently, Russia's budget is in an increasingly worse condition, and Putin has to save himself by, among other things, VAT increases.
See also: Putin has a lot to worry about. These are its main problems
Last week, President Donald Trump's administration announced new sanctions on the two largest Russian oil companies – Rosneft and Lukoil.
See also: This will be a blow to Russia's budget. The US government estimates how much the sanctions will reduce oil revenues
At the same time, the planned summit of US and Russian leaders in Budapest was canceled. President Trump said on Saturday that he would not meet with Vladimir Putin until he was sure it was possible to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
