Iryna Pohorila18:34, 02.05.24

The occupiers are using increasingly aggressive tactics against Ukraine, including strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The Russian invaders are “gradually advancing on the battlefield in Kharkiv and Donetsk” regions, and the war is “unlikely to end in the near future.”

Such a statement was made by the Director of National Intelligence of the USA, Avril Gaines. She noted that China’s provision of dual-use components and materials for the Russian defense industry is “one of the factors that changed the dynamics on the battlefield in Ukraine in favor of the Kremlin,” Voice of America reports .

Gaines also drew attention to the fact that the Russian Federation has accelerated the restoration of military capabilities. “Putin has shown for months that he is ready to start negotiations with Kyiv and Washington on the future of Ukraine, but without any signs that he is ready to make significant concessions,” she said.

But now, according to Gaines, the Russian Federation, on the contrary, is using more aggressive tactics against Ukraine, including strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The director of US intelligence noted that, according to the Kremlin, this “should convince the Ukrainians that the continuation of the struggle will only increase their damage and will not lead to victory.”

“These aggressive tactics are likely to continue and the war is unlikely to end anytime soon,” Gaines said.

In addition, she added that Putin “increased defense spending to almost 7% of GDP, which is almost twice the average for the entire history of the country.” Currently, the defense budget of the Russian Federation accounts for approximately 25% of all expenditures.

“This is largely due to the fact that the Russian Federation paid a huge price for the war in Ukraine,” Gaines said.

Chairman of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, added that if Putin is not stopped in Ukraine, he will go further: “Putin has repeatedly said that he intends to unite the former Soviet states. This will include direct military conflict with NATO countries, which will require the US send our own men and women into harm’s way.”

“Putin must be stopped both for the sake of Ukraine’s survival and for the safety of all Americans,” Reed said.

War in Ukraine: news 

President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed to shorten the terms of receipt of weapons, especially  air defense equipment , from international partners. The head of state announced  this  following the results of the Commander-in-Chief’s Headquarters.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba  said that due to the delay in Western military aid, the Russian Federation was more effective in its military operations. According to Kuleba, the advance of Russian troops may take place at the front at this time.

(C)UNIAN 2024