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Putin is 'doubling down' with a new offensive launched by Russia's flagging army because he cannot afford to lose, CIA director says

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Council of Lawmakers at the Tauride Palace, on April 27, 2022, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during the Council of Lawmakers at the Tauride Palace, on April 27, 2022, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Image Credit: Getty

CIA Director William Burns stated on Saturday that despite his army's failing offensive in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning to redouble his efforts.

According to CBS News, Burns stated at the Financial Times Weekend Festival, "I think he's persuaded right now that doubling down will still enable him to make progress."

According to CBS News, Putin is in "a frame of mind where he doesn't believe he can afford to lose."

Burns added, that Putin has already "staked a lot" on the second phase of the Ukrainian offensive, which has seen Russia focusing its military operations on the country's south and east.

Burns estimates that Putin will double down comes amid reports of low soldier morale and the Pentagon's judgment that his forces are "behind schedule" last week.

The Donbas region is currently the focal point of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Russian military has failed to gain control of any significant cities after ten weeks.

Ukraine's military campaign is turning into a successful counter-offensive, according to analysts interviewed by BBC News.

"Underestimating the Ukrainians" was Putin's "biggest mistake" throughout the invasion, according to Burns.

According to CBS News, the Russian leader is now attempting to "adapt some of the lessons from the failures of the first phase."

Some Western officials believe Putin will make a major announcement on May 9 to demonstrate Russia's strength in advance of the symbolic Victory Day military parade.

According to reports, he plans to formally declare all-out war on Ukraine, which Russia has previously described as a "special military operation." Other reports suggest that Putin may order a general mobilization.

"As an intelligence community, we don't see practical evidence of Russian planning for deployment or even potential use of tactical nuclear weapons at this point," Burns told CBS News. However, he added, "we can't just ignore those possibilities."

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