Angry Putin set to 'double down' in Ukraine, intel chiefs warn lawmakers

[mystery-ak]

Angry Putin set to 'double down' in Ukraine, intel chiefs warn lawmakers
By Rebecca Beitsch and Ines Kagubare - 03/08/22 05:09 PM EST

Intelligence experts Tuesday painted a picture of an increasingly determined Vladimir Putin set to “double down” on his invasion of Ukraine despite being ill-prepared for the consequences to Russia’s economy and with little prospect for long-term success.

“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," CIA Director William Burns told lawmakers on the House Intelligence Committee during the yearly worldwide threats hearing.

"But the challenge that he faces, and this is the biggest question that's hung over our analysis of his planning for months now … is he has no sustainable political end game in the face of what is going to continue to be fierce resistance from Ukrainians.”


Russia’s intervention in Ukraine dominated an annual hearing designed to review a vast number of threats facing the U.S., unifying a committee, whose members have at times been critical of the intelligence community, in heaping praise on the five officials assembled before them.

“You have been the glue in the international community that has brought together not only NATO but other important countries” that have rallied around punishing Russia, said Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.).

more
https://thehill.com/policy/international/597406-angry-putin-set-to-double-down-in-ukraine-intel-chiefs-tell-lawmakers

[rustynail]

I think Putin is ......He's likely to.......Intelligence experts Tuesday painted a picture ......What a crock.

[GtHawk]

I think Putin is ......He's likely to.......Intelligence experts Tuesday painted a picture ......What a crock.

When was the last time these 'intel' chiefs got something right?

[Smokin Joe]

Masters of pantywaist projection, unless it comes to projecting their hostilities toward Americans.

One too many sociology classes, not enough street time.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Our "intel experts" must get their updates from the newspapers..

Israel said to believe Ukraine now faces critical choice: capitulation or calamity
Times of Israel, Mar 8, 2022

Following Bennett's talks with Putin and Zelensky, Israeli officials say Russia has softened demands, but will likely double down on destructive assault if no capitulation

Israel believes Ukraine is at a critical crossroads and must decide between a "difficult" truce offer presented by Russia or risk a new, far more destructive phase in the war, reporters briefed by government officials said Tuesday.

Axios and Maariv both reported similar details on Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's recent conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as he has attempted to mediate between the sides.

Bennett has reportedly not presented either leader with an Israeli ceasefire proposal, and is sufficing with passing along messages from one leader to the other, the officials said, crediting Bennett for helping clarify Putin's position to Zelansky and the West.

Bennett has held a pair of conversations with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky since he jetted to Moscow for a meeting with the Russian president on Saturday.

Israeli officials cited by both outlets said the sides have “softened” their stances: Russia, they said, will not demand regime change in Ukraine, and no longer wants the entire country demilitarized, but only the Donbas region in the east.

Officially, Moscow has said it will pull back troops immediately if Ukraine stops fighting, recognizes Crimea as Russian, passes legislation committing it to neutrality, which would keep it out of NATO, and recognizes the separatist areas of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent.

Zelensky has described the demands as going too far and indicated he does not trust Russia is negotiating in good faith.


More:  https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-believe-ukraine-now-faces-critical-choice-capitulation-or-calamity/