Recently uncovered secret documents show that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has no intention of ending the war in Ukraine. While an American delegation was heading to Moscow to present a ceasefire plan to the Kremlin, secret documents obtained by the Washington Post suggest that Russia is working to sabotage peace efforts. It is predicted that Russia seeks to continue territorial gains, thus the war is expected to last at least until 2026.

Secret documents that could alter the course of the Ukraine conflict have been brought to light. One of the secret documents seen by the American newspaper Washington Post advises Russian leader Vladimir Putin to escalate the tension between the US and the rest of the world. It was suggested that this move could weaken the US negotiation position in the peace agreement in Ukraine. Presently, the US is mediating between Ukraine and Russia. President Donald Trump announced that an American delegation flew to Moscow to present a potential ceasefire plan to the Kremlin.

A proposal for a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia has not yet been accepted by Russia. However, documents with Kremlin ties obtained by the Washington Post show that Russia has been working to sabotage peace efforts since at least February.

A document written for the Fifth Service of FSB, the security service section overseeing operations in Ukraine, reveals how Russia could strengthen its position by escalating tensions with both China and the EU via the US. It notes that Russia supported Russia twice in the vote at the UN on February 25, showing a reversal of US foreign policy.

Additionally, the documents suggest that Russia needs to work towards the complete dissolution of the current Ukrainian government while rejecting plans to have peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, as such forces would be under “significant Western influence.” The document claims that the US’s plan to continue supplying arms to Ukraine is “absolutely unacceptable,” and that maintaining Ukraine’s 1-million-strong military is also unacceptable. It also states that the peace envisioned by Trump within 100 days in Ukraine is impossible and that peace cannot be achieved before 2026.

According to Kremlin sources, Putin wants to extend the peace process in order to seize more territory in Ukraine. Russian President believes that a 30-day break is “unacceptable” and is expected to obstruct peace talks with his unreasonable demands. Given that Putin holds the majority of the cards, Russian officials believe he could succeed in this endeavor. A high-level Russian source speaking to Reuters said, “It will be difficult for Putin to agree to this in its current state.”