Ukraine war: Fighting will be at ‘reduced tempo for months’ US intelligence experts say | World News

U.S. intelligence experts say they expect a “declining pace” in the war in Ukraine to last several months, with both sides looking to prepare for a post-winter counterattack.

The Director of National Intelligence said that while this may be the case, there is no evidence that the Ukrainians’ will to resist has waned and morale has not faded, despite persistent attacks by the Ukrainians. Russia into its energy infrastructure.

Avril Haines told the annual Reagan Defense Forum in California: “We’re seeing a kind of conflict that has slowed down… and we hope that could be what we see in the months ahead. next”.

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She added that both militaries would seek to refit and provide for a counterattack after the winter, but said that “there is some skepticism as to whether the Russians are in fact willing to do that.” are not”. The outlook for Ukraine is more optimistic.

Ms. Haines said Moscow’s aim to destroy vital Ukrainian infrastructure was partly to weaken the will of Ukrainians to protest but added that we have not seen “any evidence that this is the case.” that’s being vandalized right now.”

The onslaught of Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities has resulted in emergency power outages, water and electricity shortages, affecting millions of people across the country.

As winter began and temperatures dropped, Ukrainian officials appealed to allies for monetary and material aid including generators.

Despite significant strategic setbacks for Russia, including Moscow’s withdrawal from the southern city of Kherson in November, the country continued its winter preparations and continued its offensive into the other area.

It is unclear how Putin knows his forces are challenged

Haines said she thought Vladimir Putin was surprised his military had not achieved more in the war.

She said: “I think he’s getting a better understanding of the challenges the military faces in Russia. But that’s not the case yet.”
It’s clear to us that he has a full picture at this stage of their challenge… we see shortages of ammunition, morale, supply issues, logistics, a series of concerns they are facing.”

In its daily intelligence briefing, Britain’s Ministry of Defense on Saturday said Moscow was continuing to invest “a large part of its overall military and firepower effort” along the front lines near the town of Bakhmut in the UK. Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian town has faced Russian attacks since August.

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It has strategic value due to its location and, if captured by Russia, could allow them to threaten Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.

The ministry said the likely Russian plan was to encircle the town with steps north and south.