The secret plan for Ukraine seeks to exploit divisions between the US and its allies – just as relations between Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump appear to be mending
Vladimir Putin’s “secret plan for Ukraine” has emerged in classified documents urging the Russian despot to exploit differences between the US and its western allies.
Documents from an influential Kremlin-affiliated thinktank suggest Russia has worked to undermine peace deal negotiations since February, when Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump had their Oval Office bust-up that appeared to almost destroy the Ukraine-US relationship.
Russian negotiators have been advised to exploit the potential rift as Mr Trump’s administration attempts to play peacemaker in Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine now much more cooperative and hailing “positive” negotiations on Wednesday. But the Russian state has reportedly taken advice to sabotage the process and boost its own standing.
The document from the FSB’s Fifth Service, which was obtained by the Washington Post, suggests Russia could boost its own standing by turning up the heat between the US, China and EU. It adds that, while the US appears more willing to work with Putin, Russia’s main goal should be “the complete dismantling” of the Kyiv regime.
The Post adds that the thinktank urges the Kremlin to reject any plans for peacekeepers in Ukraine, suggesting they would be operating in the country while under “serious western influence”. European leaders have called for a peacekeeping force to remain in Ukraine in the event any ceasefire is decided to dissuade any future Russian incursions, given Putin’s previous disregard for international agreements.
The US has so far resisted the idea, and Russia appears to be getting what it wants as Mr Trump has repeatedly parroted Kremlin talking points during interviews since speaking to Putin in February. But initial divisions between the country and Ukraine are mending, Mr Zelensky indicated during a recent interview.
Following the latest instalment of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, Mr Zelensky hailed “constructive” talks between his and the President’s teams. The Ukrainian President was careful to emphasise his thanks during a meeting with the press, having been chastised by US Vice President JD Vance for not being “thankful” enough during an extraordinary exchange just weeks ago.
Mr Zelensky said: “I want to thank President Trump for the constructiveness of the conversation between our teams,” he said. Today, in the conversation, the American side proposed to take the first step immediately and try to establish a full ceasefire for 30 days, not only concerning rockets, drones, and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line.
“Ukraine accepts this proposal, we consider it positive, and we are ready to take this step.” Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State leading the process, said an offer made to Ukraine would now be taken to Putin, adding: “The ball is now in Russia’s court.”