US DNI Haines-Ukraine War 'Not Likely To End Any Time Soon'

US Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines is delivering evidence before a hearing of the Senate Committee on Armed Services speaking on the topic of 'worldwide threats'. On Russia Haines says that "Russia has increased its defense spending to 7% of its GDP, double its historic average. Now 25% of Russia’s federal spending goes to defence, an unprecedented expansion under President Putin."

• Adds that, "It’s a sign of just how significant the cost is that Russia has incurred as a result of its invasion of Ukraine. Also a sign, however, that the war is not likely to come to an end any time soon." Haines: "Russia's targeting of Ukrainian infrastructure aimed at impeting Ukraine's ability to move weapons and forces to the front, and slow defence production."
• On Iran Haines claims that "Iranian-backed militias continue planning attacks on US forces but have broadly paused, although it is not clear for how long."