Western intelligence officials expect Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to last at least two more years – CNN
Western intelligence agencies predict that Russia’s war against Ukraine will last at least two more years. A new counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces is also expected.
According to Censor.NET, this was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to CNN.
According to the publication, American and Western intelligence agencies assume that Russia's war against Ukraine will last "for a long time," regardless of what happens in American politics this year.
"Estimates vary, but almost all of them assume that the fighting will continue for at least two more years. This is long enough to survive Biden's (US President Joe Biden's - ed.) first term," numerous sources familiar with the intelligence data told the publication.
At the same time, according to CNN, in private conversations, some American and Western officials say that the fighting in Ukraine could last for another five years.
Against this backdrop, U.S. officials, including some Republicans, are trying to approve new funding for Ukraine before the presidential election.
An unnamed American official told the publication that in 2024, Ukraine will work to strengthen its defense industry and rebuild its forces before 2025.
"That's why the West's continued support is so important, because this year everything will be done that will determine the fate of 2025 and possibly the following years," he said.
Another unnamed U.S. military official said that a new attempt at a major Ukrainian counteroffensive to break the Russians in Melitopol would take place "at least two years from now."
"Both sides are too exhausted in terms of troops and equipment to expect big changes in 2024," he said.
The official also added that the Ukrainians are discussing 2025 as "a more realistic option in terms of what they can create to launch a new offensive."
