CIA Director William Burns warned Thursday that without additional U.S. military aid, Ukraine could lose the war with Russia by the end of the year.
The United States is “running out of time to help them,” Burns said at an event at an international conference. George W. Bush Presidential Center Speaking in Dallas, he characterized the scenario in which Congress does not approve billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine as “dire.”
“There is a very real risk that by the end of 2024, Ukrainians could be defeated on the battlefield, or at least that President Putin could be put in a position where he could essentially decide the terms of a political settlement,” Burns said. Stated.
The CIA director explained that the Ukrainian military does not lack will, but is “running out of ammunition” at an alarming rate.
He pointed out that in the days before the fall of the eastern town of Avdiivka in February, the Ukrainian Brigade (2,000 men) was able to fire only 15 artillery shells and 42 mortar shells a day.
“They were overwhelmed,” Burns said, predicting “there will be more Avdiivkas in the future” without additional U.S. aid.
The House is scheduled to vote on four foreign aid bills on Saturday, including a $60.8 billion aid package for Ukraine.
“With the support of military aid, both practical and moral, Ukrainians can hold out on their own until 2024 and overcome President Putin’s arrogant view that time is on their side,” Burns said. he said.
The CIA chief said the increased firepower would allow Ukrainian forces to carry out “more powerful attacks” against targets in Crimea and Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
Burns also echoed concerns among European leaders and some U.S. lawmakers that Russian President Vladimir Putin would seek to seize territory beyond Ukraine if he were to emerge victorious in the former Soviet state. .
“I don’t think his ambitions stop there,” he said.
