“If they don’t approve aid to Ukraine, the country could be defeated by the end of 2024.” The warning comes from the director of the CIA, who addressed US congressmen on Capitol Hill.
William Burns emphasized the difficulties Ukrainians face on the front lines and that without help, Ukraine could be forced to surrender. “With the boost that military assistance will provide, both practically and psychologically, the Ukrainians will be well positioned to hold out until the end of 2024,” Burns said.
The CIA director says that if the proposal is not approved, “there is a very real risk that Putin will be in a position where he can essentially dictate the terms of a political agreement.”
The warning is intended to pressure the House to approve a $60 billion aid package that has long been blocked.
Meanwhile, Ukraine says it managed to shoot down a Russian bomber for the first time since the start of the war. This is the Tu-22M3, a large aircraft capable of carrying long-range missiles. However, Moscow claims that the plane crashed in southern Russia while returning to base after a combat mission due to a malfunction. The pilots managed to eject before the plane crashed, but one of them was killed.
Production
Russia is increasing its military production to have equipment capable of withstanding the war for another two years.
Russian attack
At least eight people were killed, including two children, on Friday in Dnepropetrovsk in southern Ukraine after Russia fired multiple missiles.
Export
The grain harvest in Ukraine this year will decrease by 10%, and this situation will have global consequences, including in Portugal.