US warns of risk of prolonged Ukraine conflict despite partial ceasefire

(Dan Tri) - Ukraine and Russia may prolong the conflict instead of accepting an unfavorable peace agreement, US intelligence warned.

Ukrainian soldiers in Zaporizhia (Photo: Ukrinform).

While both Russia and Ukraine have shown a willingness to try a partial ceasefire, they may now view a prolonged conflict as less risky than an unfavorable peace deal, according to a report by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

The report also points out that a prolonged conflict would be costly for both Russia and Ukraine, as would the continued economic disruption to Moscow caused by Western sanctions. A prolonged conflict would also affect Ukraine’s battlefield position, thereby weakening its negotiating position in the future.

This assessment, presented to the US Senate Intelligence Committee, contradicts President Donald Trump's ambition to push Ukraine and Russia to quickly negotiate and reach a peace agreement.

After recent separate talks between the US delegation and the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, the parties reached an agreement to stop attacks on each other's energy infrastructure and a ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure maritime security.

The Kremlin later announced that the ceasefire in the Black Sea would only take effect after the West lifted sanctions on banks and other financial institutions involved in supporting international food trade and restored connections to the SWIFT system.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of manipulating the conditions it set to secure a ceasefire in the Black Sea.

President Zelensky has repeatedly said he is determined to end the conflict by 2025, even saying he is ready to resign if it means "peace for Ukraine".

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-canh-bao-nguy-co-xung-dot-ukraine-keo-dai-bat-chap-ngung-ban-mot-phan-20250326161426962.htm