Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-209.7.3.188-20160303204000/@comment-28693219-20160514075205

Ashley Kirshbaum wrote: The Reincarnation Of Akatosh wrote: ^ Are you kidding me? Ulfric single-handedly awoke Alduin. Ulfric is a Asset to the Thalmor. Ulfric studied with the Graybeards, he'd know the Prophecy of the Dragonborn. He'd know not to betray the Empire which saved Skyrim. the prophecy says that alduin would awaken " When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding ". what that meant could have been anyone's guess. so ulfric did not know that his actions would lead to alduin's return.

ulfric being an asset to the thalmor doesn't mean he's working for them, it just means that they think that his actions are beneficial to them. I guess you're right on Alduin, but they established direct contact with him. They planned to do so again.