The chief of the US Central Intelligence Agency says the next several months will be crucial for the prospect of peace talks to end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking to a House of Representatives hearing on Thursday, CIA Director William Burns said Russian President Vladimir Putin is convinced that "he can make time work for him." He said Putin believes he can grind down the Ukrainians and wear down their Western supporters through "this war of attrition."
Citing intelligence assessments, Burns said he does not believe Putin is ready for "a serious negotiation," but that any prospect for peace talks is going to depend on "progress on the battlefield."
Burns stressed the need to continue to provide military support for Ukraine to thwart Putin's plan. He said, "What's important is to provide all the support that we possibly can."