Likelihood of Putin backing down after Ukrainian counter-offensive 'less than zero'
Senior officials from the US and EU have assessed that Vladimir Putin would remain unwilling to back down even after a successful counter-offensive by Ukrainian forces, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said.
The thinktank said an EU official was reported to have said on Monday that the likelihood of Mr Putin "backing down" is "less than zero".
Instead, the Russian president is likely to mobilise more soldiers to the fight in Ukraine.
Celeste Wallander, US assistant defence secretary, added that there was "very little evidence" to suggest Mr Putin would alter his goal of occupying Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the US National Security Council told the Voice of America network that they expect Russia to attempt a spring offensive as the weather improves.
As a result, they are increasing security assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine war latest: Russia and US react as 'impartial' China starts dialogue with Ukraine
======================
Fashisti hatakubali kushindwa kirahisi.