Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns has warned that there is a "real risk" that the Ukrainians could lose the war to Russia on the battlefield by the end of 2024.
To those gathered at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Burns told Ukraine that Ukraine was "running out of ammunition" and that the West was "running out of time to help" Kiev.
Burns criticized American lawmakers for delaying the delivery of additional aid to Ukraine, Voice of America reports.
"With additional help from the US Congress, I think the Ukrainians can hold their own on the battlefield in 2024 and continue to do damage" in Crimea and against the Black Sea Fleet, the CIA director said.
He added that without that help, "the picture is much scarier."
Russia has stepped up long-range airstrikes against Ukraine's energy system and other targets in recent weeks, ratcheting up pressure on Kiev far behind the front lines where Russian forces are slowly advancing in the east.
Bonus video:
