Head of European Intelligence: Russia's Economy is Not on the Brink of Collapse

SadaNews - European intelligence leaders are feeling pessimistic about the chances of reaching an agreement this year to end the Russian war in Ukraine, despite U.S. President Donald Trump affirming that U.S.-mediated talks make the possibility of reaching a deal "significantly close."

The heads of five European intelligence agencies, who spoke to "Reuters" in recent days, stated that Russia does not wish to end the war quickly, with four of them noting that Moscow is using talks with the United States as a means to pressure for easing sanctions and making trade deals.

One of the agency heads described the latest talks in Geneva as a "theater for negotiation."

These statements indicate a significant gap in thinking between European capitals and the White House, which Ukraine claims wants to reach a peace agreement by June before the U.S. midterm elections in November. Trump believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reach a deal.

One of the European agency heads stated: "Russia is not seeking a peace agreement but rather aims to achieve its strategic objectives, which have not changed," including the ousting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and making Ukraine a "neutral" buffer zone against the West.

Another agency head commented that the main problem is that Russia does not want or need a quick peace, and that its economy "is not on the brink of collapse."

While the agency heads did not disclose how they obtained their information, their agencies utilize sources from individuals and various means including communications interception, and they all view Russia as a priority target for intelligence gathering.