Ukraine has successfully repelled Russian incursions from the north and defended Kyiv, yet Russian territorial gains are still substantial and its forces occupy much of the Donbas, Luhansk and most of southern Ukraine.
Disturbingly, new U.S. intelligence suggests that, despite major setbacks, Moscow’s strategic goals include extending this control to form a land-bridge all the way to Transnistria, the Russian-backed breakaway territory between Ukraine and Moldova.
According to U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, Vladimir Putin believes Russia’s resolve to win will outlast U.S. and EU resolve to support Ukraine. Given the accuracy of U.S. intelligence thus far, the territorial integrity of Ukraine remains under severe threat. Were Russia to successfully conquer territory in this manner, a major new geopolitical precedent will be set.
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