Russia Ukraine war, page-6610

Spy chiefs say Kyiv may have just two weeks left

Top US intelligence officials say Russian President Vladimir Putin had been surprised and unsettled by the problems that have hampered his military in Ukraine, issues that will make it more difficult for Russian forces to control the country.

But Putin is determined to succeed in Ukraine and will try to double down and use ever more brutal tactics, the officials said during an appearance before the House Intelligence Committee. And with Russian troops moving closer to encircling Ukraine, the capital may only hold out for another two weeks.

“Moscow underestimated the strength of Ukraine’s resistance and the degree of internal military challenges we are observing, which include an ill-constructed plan, morale issues and considerable logistical issues,” Haines said.

Controlling all of Ukraine will necessitate even more forces than Russia has committed to the fight, she said.

Some allied intelligence services believe Putin’s early military problems could cause him to readjust his plans to take control of the whole country, and stop his advance after he captures Kyiv, particularly if military officers highlight how many additional forces it will require to secure Ukraine.

Lieutenant General Scott Berrier, director of the Defence Intelligence Agency, said there was a limit to how long Kyiv could hold on as Russian forces encircle Ukraine and tighten the vice. “With supplies being cut off, it will become somewhat desperate in, I would say, 10 days to two weeks,” Berrier said.

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