CIA director: Ukrainians ready to fight bare-handed if peace terms unacceptable

CIA Director John Ratcliffe expressed his belief that Ukrainian troops would fight to the very end, resorting to hand-to-hand combat if necessary, in the absence of terms conducive to lasting peace.

Ratcliffe made the remarks during a hearing before the US Senate, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian military and people, Caliber.Az reports.

"With regard to the Ukrainian resistance, the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian military have been underestimated for a period of several years now. Ultimately, from my reflections and observations, I am convinced that they will fight with their bare hands if they have to, if they don't have terms that are acceptable to an enduring peace," Ratcliffe stated.

The CIA Director also touched on US President Donald Trump’s stance regarding the conflict, noting that Trump is committed to ending the war on terms that would establish long-term peace. Ratcliffe assured lawmakers that the CIA has been working diligently to support the President’s diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to a close.

Furthermore, Ratcliffe highlighted the ongoing military dynamics, stating that while the Russian military currently holds a battlefield advantage and is making slow advances, neither side would be able to achieve maximalist objectives through military means alone.

By Vugar Khalilov