US: Russians unlikely to launch major offensive this year

Haines, US Director of National Intelligence, spoke at the US Senate Armed Services Committee session on global threats to the country.

Stating that Russia is experiencing ammunition and manpower shortages in Ukraine, Haines said: “Russian forces are facing significant ammunition shortages and are under significant manpower constraints, but they continue to lay mines and prepare new defensive positions. in the occupied Ukrainian territory. saying.

Noting that Russian forces will continue to suffer in the region, regardless of possible counterattacks by the Ukrainian military, Haines said: “It is unlikely that the Russians will mount a significant offensive operation in Ukraine this year.” he said.

Stating that Russia will focus on consolidating control of the land it has seized in eastern and southern Ukraine, Haines assessed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was unlikely to make any concessions to advance peace talks.

“We continue to assess that Putin has probably calculated that time is on his side, and that prolonging the war may be the best way left for Russia to secure its strategic interests in Ukraine,” Haines said. saying.

“With a weakened conventional military force, Moscow will become more reliant on nuclear, cyber and space capabilities for deterrence.” she used the phrase.

The US intelligence chief added that it is “highly unlikely” that Moscow would use nuclear weapons in the current conflict. (AA)