WASHINGTON – Russian President Vladimir PutinU.S. officials warn that the Kremlin will likely accelerate its military campaign against Ukraine despite stalled progress in war after almost two weeks of conflict.

These intelligence chiefs had warned about Putin’s invading of Ukraine. They outlined the current issues facing the Russian military on the battlefield.

Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence said that Moscow had underestimated Ukraine’s resistance strength. She also spoke out before the House Intelligence Committee.

U.S. intelligence analysts think that those setbacks won’t deter Putin.

“We think Putin feels upset that the West is not giving him proper deference. He perceives this war as one he cannot afford,” Haines said. Haines leads America’s 18 intelligence services.

Alongside Haines, CIA director William Burns told lawmakers that Putin is growing increasingly frustrated that Kyiv has not yet fallen to Russian forces.

Burns stated that instead of seizing Kyiv in the first two days, as his plan called for, “they haven’t been able to completely encircle” the city after almost two weeks.

Putin must be angry and frustrated at the moment, according to Burns. Burns stated that Putin is likely to increase his efforts to reduce the Ukrainian army without regard to civilian casualties.

Officials declined to provide details about what Putin might do next, as well as a timetable.

America’s spy chiefs provide testimony that complements intelligence’s non-classified version. annual threat assessment report. It was written before Russia invaded Ukraine.

Separately, Tuesday’s Pentagon defense official stated that Russian forces have made four advances on Kyiv. They are about 12 miles from Kyiv’s center.

According to the official who spoke under anonymity, Russian troops have been moving deeper into Ukraine.

The official stated that “they still seem to be plagued with logistics and sustainment problems”, and added that Russia is facing significant fuel and food shortages.

According to the official, “We are confident that they will overcome these challenges.”

He stated that nearly all the Russian forces which once stood on Ukraine’s border are now inside Ukraine.

The official stated that “Nearly, but not all of their forces are in the country right now” and that the majority of them are there with an intent to travel along the multiple access lines.

John Kirby, a Pentagon spokesperson, stated earlier in the week that Russian forces in Ukraine had slowed down.

Kirby stated that the Russians are getting frustrated with their slow progress and have not made much in the past few days. 

They are experiencing morale issues. They’re having problems with their supply. They’re having problems with fuel. They have food issues. “They are confronting a very determined and stiff Ukrainian resistance,” he said.