On April 19, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns commented that without U.S. military assistance, Ukraine could lose its war against Russia by the end of 2024.
According to Director Burns, the Ukrainians are at a “tough moment on the battlefield right now”, however, with military aid from the U.S., “the Ukrainians are entirely capable of holding their own through 2024” according to CBS News.
Director Burns also commented that the initial Western reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine had “sobered” Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambitions toward Taiwan. However, if allied nations continue to back down on support for Ukraine, it could “undo that impact”.
In regards to the Middle East, Director Burns said that he had “rarely seen a moment more combustible than it is today” over his 40 years of service, according to CBS News.
Commenting on China and Russia’s collaboration, both nations were working more “closely together now than any time in my memory”, presenting a “significant challenge” for the U.S.
This comes as Russia has stepped up its attacks in Ukraine, Iran and Israel have traded attacks, and China’s actions in the South China Sea have become increasingly aggressive.
