CIA Director William Burns issued a warning that Ukraine could potentially lose its war with Russia by the end of the year if the US does not provide additional military aid. Burns emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Congress must approve billions of dollars in supplemental assistance for Ukraine to prevent a dire scenario where Putin could dictate the terms of a political settlement.
According to Burns, Ukrainian forces are not lacking in will but are facing a critical shortage of ammunition. He cited a specific example of Ukrainian brigades in Avdiivka being limited to firing only a small number of artillery rounds and mortar shells per day before the town fell in February. Burns warned that without more US assistance, similar situations could arise in the future, with Ukrainian forces being overwhelmed.
The House of Representatives is set to vote on several foreign aid bills, including a $60.8 billion package for Ukraine. Burns expressed confidence that with additional military assistance, Ukrainians would be able to hold their own through 2024 and counter Putin’s belief that time is on his side. The hope is that increased firepower would enable the Ukrainian military to conduct deeper strikes against targets in Crimea and the Black Sea Fleet.
In addition to the immediate threat to Ukraine, Burns also highlighted concerns shared by European leaders and some US lawmakers that Putin may seek to seize territory beyond Ukraine if he is successful in the conflict. He warned that Putin’s ambitions may not stop at Ukraine, raising the possibility of further aggression if the Russian president achieves his goals in the former Soviet state. Burns stressed the need for ongoing support for Ukraine to prevent potential expansionist moves by Russia.
Overall, Burns painted a stark picture of the current situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for swift action from the US to prevent a potential defeat for Ukrainian forces. He underscored the importance of providing military assistance to Ukraine to enhance their ability to defend themselves and counter Russian aggression. Burns’s comments serve as a call to action for Congress to approve the necessary foreign aid packages to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
