The Director of the US National Intelligence Community, Tulsi Gabbard, stated on Sunday that American intelligence does not assess Russia as having the capability to conquer Ukraine—much less Europe.
Gabbard made the remarks in a post on X, responding to reports claiming that the US intelligence community supports EU and NATO assessments that Russia intends to invade Europe.
Rejection of EU and NATO Narrative
Gabbard accused what she described as “deep state warmongers and their propaganda media” of spreading false narratives aimed at undermining US President Donald Trump’s efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine and Europe.
“Deep state warmongers and their propaganda media are once again attempting to undermine President Trump’s efforts to bring peace in Ukraine—and indeed in Europe—by falsely claiming that the ‘US intelligence community’ agrees with and supports the EU/NATO view that Russia’s goal is to conquer Europe,” Gabbard said.
She argued that such claims are intended to garner public support for pro-war policies.
US Intelligence Assessment
According to Gabbard:
“US intelligence assesses that Russia does not have the capability to conquer Ukraine, let alone ‘conquer’ Europe.”
Her statement directly contradicts recent media reports suggesting a unified Western intelligence assessment regarding Russian expansionist intentions.
Contradictory Reports
Gabbard’s comments come one day after Reuters reported that US intelligence agencies were warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to fully conquer Ukraine and reclaim parts of Europe that once belonged to the Soviet Union, despite ongoing peace negotiations.
The conflicting assessments highlight growing divisions within Western political and intelligence circles over Russia’s long-term military capabilities and strategic intentions.
