While Russia and the United States are negotiating a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, a secret document reveals Vladimir Putin's true goals, and they are not related to stopping the war, Western publications write, citing the Washington Post.
The document, created for the Federal Security Service by analysts close to the government, reveals that the Kremlin has no intention of holding real peace talks, but only wants to weaken Donald Trump's negotiating position in a possible peace agreement and at the same time sow tension between the United States, China and the EU.
While Washington continues to insist on a ceasefire, Russia is working to undermine a possible peace agreement. It is alleged that the strategy was prepared even before the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. The document from the pro-Kremlin think tank claims that Russia should work for the “complete dismantling“ of the current Ukrainian government.
The document dismisses Trump's preliminary plans for a peace agreement on Ukraine, to be reached within 100 days, as “impossible to implement“ and suggests that peace “cannot happen before 2026“.
Russia could strengthen its negotiating position by offering to allow American companies to mine rare earth minerals in Russia and in Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine.
According to Kremlin sources, it is the Russian president who wants to drag out the peace process so he can seize more Ukrainian territory. The Russian president believes that the 30-day pause is “unacceptable” and is expected to hinder peace talks. His goal remains unchanged - Putin wants Ukraine to surrender.
In Russia, Putin is believed to be in a stronger negotiating position because the Russian army is advancing slowly in the Donbass. Ukrainian forces also suffered a defeat in the Kursk region. One of Putin's demands is likely to be a halt to future military support for Kiev.
Putin's visit to the Kursk region, part of which has been occupied by Ukrainian forces, could also be interpreted as a sign of continued hostilities. According to Kremlin sources, the offensive to completely capture the region is in its final phase.
The alleged secret document, which according to media reports was written by a think tank close to the Kremlin for the Russian secret service FSB, contains strategic recommendations for influencing international relations. According to it, Russia should actively promote tensions between the United States, China and the European Union in order to break Moscow's diplomatic isolation.
Putin believes he is in a stronger position. Because of this military superiority, Putin may be reluctant to agree to a short-term ceasefire and continue to try to regain and seize territory to further strengthen his negotiating position. According to the leaked document, Russian negotiators could also use this situation to offer American companies access to rare earth elements in Russia and the occupied territories of Ukraine.