'Frustrated' Vladimir Putin could choose a deadly approach in Ukraine, says CIA Director

Amid deteriorating situation in Ukraine, a top US intelligence official, on Tuesday, warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin could choose a deadly approach in order to "demilitarise" already war-torn country. Testifying at an annual global threat hearing before House Intelligence Committee about Russia's military operation in Ukraine, US intelligence official William J Burns said Putin has w frustrated and hence re were chances of Russian President taking most aggressive approach against its neighbouring country. He warned of an "ugly next few weeks" in Ukraine. According to CIA Director Burns, around 2000-4000 Russian troops were killed in Ukraine since beginning of war. 

"Putin is determined to dominate and control Ukraine to shape its orientation. This is a matter of deep personal conviction for him, he has been doing it in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition for many years. That conviction matter more than ever in Russian system created by him that narrowed and COVID pandemic have made it even narrower," said top official. 

As per CIA Director, Putin had ordered his forces to invade Ukraine with assumption that Ukrainian forces would surrender within two or a maximum of three days. However, as situation did t develop as per his plans, Burns said Putin has chosen an aggressive path despite Wesimposing back-to-back sanctions.

"He has been proven wrong. Instead of seizing Kyiv within first two days of campaign, which is what his plan was premised upon, Russians still have t been able to fully encircle Ukraine's capital city," CIA Director said.

Russian military performance "largely ineffective", says Burns

He highlighted how Ukrainian forces and civilians prevented a 40-mile convoy of Russian armoured vehicles, tanks and towed artillery for days on outskirts of national capital, Kyiv. Russia's military performance, Burns said, has been "largely ineffective." 

Russia initiated a full-fledged war against Ukraine nearly two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree recognizing independence of breakaway regions Donetsk and Luhansk. Putin's action came despite West's repetitive warning and speculations about his ill-intention to invade Ukraine. Until n, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called his Russian counterpart to meet him, seeking a resolution to avert war. However, on February 24, Russian troops started a military operation against Ukraine, resulting in heavy shelling and killing of more than 2,000 Ukrainian civilians.

With inputs from ANI

Im: ANI/AP