U.S. Intel Sources: NATO, Zelenskyy Prolong War in Ukraine

July 17—Some very angry U.S. intelligence sources say that the real obstacles to a ceasefire and end of the war in Ukraine are "the paper-clip generals" of NATO and the European leaders they control, with their ravings about an imminent Russian invasion of Europe, and their puppet dictator of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who refuses to listen to his own military. According to these sources, Ukrainian military officials long ago told Zelenskyy that the battle situation is hopeless and the war has been lost, as their forces continue to lose men and equipment at staggering rates.

Instead, NATO has instructed Zelenskyy to continue making claims about "brutal" and "savage" drone attacks on "civilian targets" in order to secure increased support in weapons and funding. This strategy is reportedly designed to appeal to President Donald Trump's desire to help the "underdog" against the Russian forces and to heighten his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to negotiate under what Putin has described as false pretexts from NATO and its Ukrainian proxy.

Claims of Propaganda and Battlefield Reality

"Let’s set some things straight here," said a source close to both the White House and CIA-related intelligence circles. "Let’s say it clearly, as the secret reports provided to the president say it: Ukraine has lost its war, on the ground, in the battlefield—period. The war can be prolonged, as long as Ukraine is willing to accept staggering losses in men and equipment, but no number of weapons, nor attacks on Russian positions inside Russia, will change this. The only thing that could alter the outcome, though not necessarily achieve victory, would be for NATO and/or the U.S. to intervene with boots on the ground and massive airpower, including strikes on Russian supply lines. There is zero chance that Donald Trump and some of his top Defense officials would ever approve that. So, the war is lost."

"Let’s also push some more bullshit and propaganda to the side," said the source. "There have been no 'savage' and 'brutal' attacks on civilian targets by the 'Russian beasts.' Our intelligence—which is just a little bit better than the clownish crap that passes for Ukrainian intelligence—says that the Russians continue to target infrastructure, military targets, command and control centers, and similar objectives. When you use drones, UAVs, and missiles, some or even most of them can be shot down by defenses. What happens to them when they’re shot down? They often continue in flight out of control. So, most of the civilian targets hit have been struck by destroyed or damaged drones. Also, the Ukrainians have deliberately placed military and production facilities into civilian areas—similar to what Hamas does—knowing this increases civilian casualties if these areas are attacked. And where are the casualty figures? They are really small. You don’t think if Russia wanted to target civilians, they couldn’t kill tens of thousands or more in one attack? The 'savage' Russians have yet to kill as many civilians in all their drone and missile strikes as [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Bibi [Netanyahu] kills in a week or two in Gaza."

Conditions for Ceasefire from Russian Side

As for what's holding up a ceasefire deal, the source says it is NATO and Zelenskyy’s desire to prolong the war and blame it on Putin. According to these and other sources, the Russian President would come to the table and agree to a ceasefire, as demanded by Trump, if the following conditions were met:

• An end to all attacks on Russian territory
• An agreement to a ceasefire in place, with no rotation or reinforcement of positions with supplies and troops by either side
• Ukraine will drop all demands for the return of territories now part of the Russian Federation
• Ukraine will agree never to become a part of NATO

Putin reportedly wants more to be negotiated, but this is a starting point—and not maximalist demands. In fact, these elements were part of a preliminary deal worked out by Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, which was leaked and then sabotaged by NATO’s propaganda machine and Zelenskyy, who proclaimed he would never yield one inch of territory to Russia.

Trump’s Political Calculus and Media Tensions

Sources claim Trump could revive the talks by forcing Zelenskyy to negotiate seriously. However, in order to appease the more rigid wing of his political coalition—which includes Congressional members like the vehemently anti-Russian Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), whom Trump once privately questioned whether he was brain-damaged, but whom he feels he needs for legislative priorities—he’s been reported as adjusting his stance toward Ukraine. These changes have been glowingly covered by NATO-friendly outlets such as the New York Post.

However, sources note that the increased weapons flow, including through sleight-of-hand arrangements with NATO on Patriot systems, wouldn’t be available for months. Trump has essentially given the peace process two months to gain traction before sanctions—whose impact on Russia is uncertain—would be imposed.

NATO and its media affiliates allegedly claimed that Trump asked Zelenskyy to strike Moscow, which he denied. In any case, sources report that no weapons scheduled for delivery to Ukraine could enable such an attack, and the ban on using the handful of ATACMS missiles to hit Russian targets remains in effect with no resupply expected.

Fear of Escalation if Peace Efforts Fail

The Post, citing Zelenskyy, leaked discussion of a supposed "mega deal" for the U.S. and Ukraine to collaborate on drone production. Zelenskyy claimed that Ukrainians possess better technology and skill than the U.S. A source close to the White House responded: "Get a grip, sucker."

Intelligence and policymaking sources express concern that if Trump is pressured into closer alignment with NATO and joins in efforts to extend the conflict with Russia—despite Putin’s willingness to end the war—the rules of engagement that have so far restrained escalation could break down.

"Normally, when you fight a war, you attack your opponent's ability to be resupplied by its allies," said a source. "Why have the Russians not attacked these supply lines or staging and depot areas? Because they know there are literally thousands, if not tens of thousands, of NATO and U.S. personnel involved in resupply. There are tens of thousands of NATO personnel on the ground in Ukraine, some in uniform, some not. What if Putin decides to lob some Oreshniks at these supply depots and staging areas—some of which are in Poland? What if he uses hypersonic anti-aircraft missiles to knock down supply planes? It is within their right to do so under wartime terms of engagement. It is Putin who has chosen to fight under these rules in hope of peace. But if NATO sabotages peace, then what? One would hope that Putin explains this to his friend Trump before it gets too late."