Putin preparing for prolonged conflict in Ukraine, says US spy chief

'We assess Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas,' US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers

The United States believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is preparing for a long conflict in Ukraine and a Russian victory in the Donbas in the east of the country might not end the war, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said on Tuesday.

Russia's assault on Kyiv was beaten back in March by strong Ukrainian resistance.

Russia, which calls the invasion "a special military operation," poured more troops into Ukraine for a huge offensive last month in the eastern part of the country but its gains have been slow.

"We assess President Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine