**Putin Still Seeks Control Over Ukraine**
Russian President Vladimir Putin has not given up on his goal of controlling Ukraine, despite efforts by the US to broker a ceasefire. This is according to a report by the Washington Post (WP), citing sources familiar with classified US intelligence reports.
**Russia’s True Intentions**
Putin’s “long-standing desire” is to restore what he sees as Russia’s rightful place in Ukraine. He remains determined to assert power over Kyiv, despite temporary truces and peace talks. Some officials believe that even if Russia agrees to a ceasefire, Moscow will use the pause to rearm, violate the agreement, and create provocations to blame on Ukraine.
**Ukraine Agrees to Truce**
Ukraine had agreed to a temporary truce during talks in Jeddah on March 11, provided Russia did as well. The deal led Washington to resume military and intelligence support for Kyiv. However, Putin has now said that Russia is prepared to accept the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, but only if Ukraine halts mobilization, military training, and arms imports.
**Zelensky Rejects Putin’s Conditions**
Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected Putin’s conditions as “Russian manipulations” and called for tougher sanctions on Moscow. Meanwhile, Trump has said that Putin’s statement was “very promising,” but “wasn’t complete.” A European intelligence official has told WP that Moscow views Trump as weak and potentially open to manipulation.
**A Lasting Ceasefire Unlikely**
If a permanent ceasefire is reached, Russia is likely to revert to the “hybrid” tactics it used before its full-scale invasion in 2022. US officials are cautious about what peace terms Putin might agree to, but see no indication that he has backed down from his demand to bring Kyiv into Russia’s sphere of influence.
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