US intelligence forecasts Kremlin’s strategy in war against Ukraine
Photo: Tulsi Gabbard, US Director of National Intelligence (Getty Images)
Russia will continue to wage a war of attrition to achieve its objectives until a peace agreement is reached with Ukraine, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated during a hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
According to her, Russia has "maintained the upper hand" in the war against Ukraine over the past year.
"US-led negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are ongoing. Until such an agreement is met, Moscow is likely to continue fighting a slow war of attrition until they view their objectives have been achieved," Gabbard said.
She also noted that Russia has the means to challenge US interests through both "military and non-military methods."
The US Director of National Intelligence added that the greatest threat from Russia is a potential escalation in the conflict, including in Ukraine, or a new conflict that could lead to direct clashes, including the possible use of nuclear weapons.
Putin believes in victory through a war of attrition
Last fall, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that the Russian command is betting on Vladimir Putin’s "theory of victory," which envisions a war of attrition.
According to analysts, the Kremlin is relying on the numerical superiority of personnel and resources to outlast Western support for Ukraine and wear down the Defense Forces.
Notably, social surveys show that Ukrainian citizens are increasingly less optimistic about a quick end to the war with Russia.
