According to CIA Director William Burns, Russia's attack of Ukraine has fallen far short of Vladimir Putin's expectations, and the Russian president is likely to increase military operations.
"I think Putin is angry and frustrated right now. He's likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties," The House Intelligence Committee heard testimony from Burns. "His military planning and assumptions were based on a quick, decisive victory."
Several intelligence officials spoke at the committee's annual hearing on global threats, including Burns.
Putin's war, according to the CIA director, was based on four incorrect assumptions: Ukraine was weak, Europe was distracted and wouldn't respond forcefully, Russia's economy was equipped to resist sanctions, and Russia's military had been modernised and would fight well.
"He's been proven wrong on every count," said Burns, who served as the United States' ambassador to Russia...