(WARSAW, POLAND) – The Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not seeking a negotiated settlement in Ukraine and has ambitions that extend far beyond the Donbas region, according to Adam Jasser, News Director at TVP World.
Speaking on TVP World’s News in Depth programme, Jasser said the Kremlin’s objective is the creation of a neutralised or subservient Ukrainian state outside Western political and security architecture. “He wants all of Ukraine,” Jasser said, describing the objective as imperial in nature.
The assessment comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that prospects for a negotiated settlement remain elusive. “Right now, there don’t seem to be prospects of a negotiated settlement. We are prepared to play whatever role we can in making that happen. We have tried that in the past, but so far it has been elusive,” Rubio said. He noted that Russia has defined victory as the totality of the Donbas, which he described as absolutely unacceptable for Kyiv.
Jasser said the US administration is shedding long-held illusions about the Russian dictator. “Here in Poland and on the eastern flank of NATO, in countries that face Russia, be it the Nordics, Baltic states or Poland, that illusion never existed. In a sense, the Americans are catching up with reality,” he said.
On the prospect of increased pressure on Moscow, Jasser noted that US President Donald Trump now has the means to act, referencing legislation proposed by Senator Lindsey Graham. “Donald Trump now has the bazooka, but so far he seems to be reluctant to use it,” Jasser said. He added that the Americans are realising Putin is not interested in a deal and is not even interested in Donetsk alone.
Regarding reported negotiations between Jared Kushner and Russian counterparts on US investment in the Nord Stream pipeline, Jasser described the discussions as a pipe dream. “Personally, I believe Putin is not interested in this deal because he has other objectives,” he said. “The problem with parts of the Trump administration, particularly people closest to Trump, is that they are business people. They think if we offer a good deal to Putin, why should he not take it? They seem unable to grasp that Putin is simply not interested in business. He does not want this war to stop.”
Jasser noted that the business conversations maintained through Kushner and US special envoy Steve Witkoff create confusion among Russians, who hear Rubio saying negotiations are unlikely while Trump and his associates suggest Putin wants peace. He described Kushner and Witkoff as naive diplomats who are nonetheless useful in confusing the Russians about American policy.
On contradictions in US policy toward Europe, Jasser pointed to American support for far-right parties in Europe, including Alternative for Germany, which advocate better relations with Russia and oppose increased defence spending. “The Trump administration succeeded in persuading Europeans to spend more on defence, but then they support parties that want to undo this American achievement,” he said.
Addressing recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Jasser said an open conflict with NATO would be a huge risk for Putin because it would trigger Article 5. “His trick is to keep his attacks, sinking ships or attacking ships in the Black Sea, hybrid attacks in Europe, just one step below the threshold of an open attack,” he said.
Jasser said NATO has bought Europe time to rearm through major exercises in the Baltic states, with planes flying from the Baltics to Romania and circling the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. “This was a warning to Russia that we are ready. Do not cross a red line,” he said. He added that Putin’s only hope is to wear everybody down and outlast Western resolve to support Ukraine.
On the upcoming speech by US General Alexus Grynkewich in Warsaw presenting NATO’s theory of victory, Jasser said it is significant that it will be delivered in Poland, which he described as the biggest country on the eastern flank and a model ally in Trump’s words.
Jasser also discussed the Bergen Group meeting, comprising the US, Poland, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands, set to take place in Warsaw under absolute secrecy. He said one interpretation is that the Pentagon is attempting to drive division between NATO members, particularly as the Baltic states are not included. The other interpretation, which he favours, is that the Pentagon and Elbridge Colby, the under secretary in charge of Europe, are selecting countries that are serious about defence and have the critical mass.
“It is the Nordic countries which spend a lot on defence and have capable forces. It is Poland, the biggest country on the eastern flank, and it is Germany and the Netherlands,” Jasser said. Asked why the UK was not included, he suggested there may be disappointment about Britain’s overall defence spending. “Maybe it is a signal also to other members. It is a political move in some sense,” he said.
Jasser said the meeting is a declaration of political will by frontline countries to stand up to Russia.
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