Russia probably does not want a direct confrontation with the United States and NATO, but there is a possibility that it will happen.” This is the conclusion of US intelligence, as contained in the Annual Threats Report.
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“Russian leaders have so far avoided taking any action that would escalate the conflict beyond Ukraine’s borders, but the risk of escalation remains significant,” it said. National Intelligence Director Avril Haines testified before Congress that “neither side has a clear advantage.”
“We don’t expect enough Russian military build-up this year to make further territorial gains, but Putin believes time is on his side and prolonging the war, including pauses in fighting, is the best remaining option to protect Moscow’s interests strategically in Ukraine, even if it will take years”.