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Russia is unlikely to make a major advance in Ukraine in 2023, according to US intelligence chief Avril Haines.
US intelligence: Russia will not make a major breakthrough this year© APA/AFP/ARIS MESSINIS
US SENATE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE HEARS TESTIMONY ON WORLDWIDE TH© APA/Getty Images via AFP/GETTY IMAGES/DREW ANGERER
At a hearing before the US Senate, however, the Democrat was also skeptical about Ukraine's prospects for a breakthrough in the east of the country. The chances of the Ukrainian army are currently dependent on many factors, above all the losses in the defensive fight against Russian troops in Donbass. "At the moment there is simply a tough war of attrition in which neither side has a clear advantage," said the influential government politician.
Related video: Ukraine vows to defend Bakhmut, Russian forces storm city (glomex)
Bad morals
In any case, Russia's arms are currently suffering from numerous problems, such as a lack of ammunition, but also dwindling troop reserves. In addition, the military leadership is not working and the morale of the exhausted troops is also very bad. A capture of the city of Bachmut, which has been fought over for months, as NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg expects in the next few days, is only a small step and of no great strategic importance.
Putin is playing for time
Kremlin boss Putin now has a more realistic assessment of the prospects for military success and would also set himself much more modest goals. Nevertheless, the President is still convinced that time is playing for him.
