Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long war in Ukraine the US is warning and a Russian victory in the eastern region of Donbas might not end its attack.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines tells a Senate hearing the next few months could see Russian actions escalate and become more unpredictable.
“The current trend increases the likelihood that President Putin will turn to more drastic means,” Haines said.
She warns Russia could seek a land bridge to the breakaway Moldovan territory of Transnistria and said it was likely President Putin would sought to impose martial law in Russia.
Haines said that Putin is counting on the resolve of the US and of Ukraine’s European allies to weaken over time.
But she thinks the Kremlin will only authorise the use of nuclear weapons if Putin perceives an “existential threat” to Russia.
BBC News
