In Russia-Ukraine war, next six months will be 'absolutely crucial', says CIA official

 next six months will be “absolutely crucial” in determining final outcome of war in Ukraine, said Bill Burns, Director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), on Thursday during his dress at Georgetown University, reported CNN. He also asserted that Putin believes that he might “grind down” Ukraine, while political fatigue will grip Europe and United States will become distracted. This statement comes after  CIA conducted an assessment of unabated war.

“I think what’s going to be key — because we do not assess that (Russian President Vlimir Putin) is serious about negotiations — key is going to be on battlefield in next six months, it seems to us,” said Burns, dressing an audience at Georgetown University.

Burns continued, “Puncturing Putin’s hubris, making clear that he’s not only not going to be able to vance furr in Ukraine, but as every month goes by, he runs a greater and greater risk of losing territory he’s illegally seized so far.” Russia's leer, Putin is “betting that he can make time work for him,” said Burns.

Russian air raids at Kramatorsk

Meanwhile, Russian troops targeted  city of Kramatorsk and a fresh barrage of Russian missiles ripped city located in eastern Ukraine on Thursday, reported CNN. Screaming civilians scrambled to find shelter as thick plumes went into air. At least five people were wounded in Russian missile attack, according to Pavlo Kyrylenko, he of Donetsk region military ministration. Soon after attack, Ukrainian paramedics rushed to scene to treat at least one of civilians who was seriously injured. 

“y damaged 13 two-story buildings, three four-story buildings, a children’s clinic and school, garages and cars,” Kyrylenko said. “Russians confirm ir status as terrorists every day,” said Pavlo Kyrylenko. 

Taking to Twitter, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote, "Kramatorsk. Russian terrorists have hit city with a ballistic missile leing to civilian casualties. Some people are still under rubble. No goal or than terror. only way to stop Russian terrorism is to defeat it. By tanks. Fighter jets. Long-range missiles." With tweet, he also shared gut-wrenching photos of attack by Russian troops on February 2.