US intelligence chief predicts Russia's "aggressive tactics" in Ukraine in near future

Avril Haines, Director of the US National Intelligence, believes that Russian leader Vladimir Putin will resort to aggressive tactics, given that domestic and international events are developing in his favour.

Source: Haines during a hearing at the US Senate Armed Services Committee, as reported by European Pravda, citing Reuters

Details: Haines noted that Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure to hinder Kyiv's ability to move weapons and troops, hamper defence production, and force it into negotiations.

"Putin's increasingly aggressive tactics against Ukraine, such as strikes on Ukraine's electricity infrastructure, are intended to impress Ukraine that continuing to fight will only increase the damage to Ukraine and offer no plausible path to victory," the official said.

Haines noted, however, that these "aggressive tactics" are likely to continue and that "the war is unlikely to end anytime soon."

Background:

• The US has previously expressed hope that new US security assistance, unblocked following a congressional decision, will help Ukraine's Armed Forces eventually regain the initiative on the battlefield, although a large-scale Ukrainian offensive is unlikely in the near future.
• On 26 April, Estonian intelligence indicated that Russia is trying to use the last window of opportunity before Western military equipment and ammunition arrive in Ukraine to intensify attacks.

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