Axios/Zachary Basu/5-10-2022
“The U.S. intelligence community assesses Russia is preparing for a ‘prolonged conflict’ in Ukraine that is likely to become ‘more unpredictable and escalatory’ due to a ‘mismatch’ between Vladimir Putin’s ambitions and military capabilities, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines testified Tuesday.”
USAGOLD note: If the conflict in Ukraine extends to the long term, it will carry profound economic implications including prolonged pressure on the inflation rate. Haines goes on to say that Putin believes Russia has a “greater ability and willingness” to endure the economic challenges resulting from a war of attrition than the West “as food shortages, inflation and energy prices get worse.”
