Exclusive-Top European spies sceptical US will clinch Ukraine peace deal this year


FILE PHOTO: A resident stands at the site of a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Nina Liashonok/File Photo

MUNICH, Feb 19 (Reuters) - European intelligence chiefs ⁠are pessimistic about the chances of an agreement being reached this year to end Russia's war in Ukraine, despite Donald Trump's assertions that U.S.-brokered talks have brought the prospect of a deal "reasonably ⁠close".

The heads of five European spy agencies, who spoke to Reuters in recent days on condition of anonymity, said Russia did not want to end the war quickly. Four of them ‌said Moscow was using the talks with the U.S. to push for sanctions relief and business deals.

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