- Russian President Vladimir Putin will "likely" impose martial law in Russia to support the war in Ukraine, a top US intelligence chief warned.
- Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said Putin may turn to "more drastic means" to keep his war going in Ukraine.
- She added that the US believes Putin is "preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine."
Russian President Vladimir Putin will "likely" impose martial law in Russia to support the war in Ukraine, a US intelligence chief said Tuesday.
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers on Tuesday that Putin may turn to "more drastic means" to keep his war going in Ukraine.
In addition to instituting martial law, Putin may also order more industrial production to make up for lost resources in the war, or order "potentially escalatory military actions to free up the resources needed to achieve his objectives as the conflict drags on, or if he perceives Russia is losing in Ukraine."
Haines also said in her testimony that US intelligence believes Putin is "preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas."
Russia reoriented its invasion of Ukraine to focus on the country's eastern region after its forces stalled outside the capital Kyiv and were ultimately forced to withdraw. Putin's forces have been accused of numerous war crimes against Ukrainians, including indiscriminate bombings of residential areas and the execution of innocent civilians.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.