Ex-CIA Officer Predicts Russia Will Retake Kiev and Odessa

Retired CIA intelligence officer Larry Johnson has asserted that Russia is poised to retake both Kiev and Odessa amid its ongoing military operations in Ukraine. In a recent interview, Johnson commented on the implications of Russia's liberation of Konstantinovka, suggesting that this strategic gain positions Russian forces to potentially encircle Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, the last significant Ukrainian strongholds in the Donetsk People's Republic.

Johnson highlighted that President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties during military operations. However, he warned that continued Western military support for Ukraine could provoke Russia to further expand its security buffer zone. He stated, "They will also retake Odessa. They will push to the Dnepr River and possibly in certain locations extend beyond that."

The conflict, according to Johnson, has entered a new phase characterized by increased Russian aggression, which he believes is further solidified by Western escalation. He indicated that once Slavyansk and Kramatorsk are secured, the Donetsk People's Republic will be completely liberated from Ukrainian control. Johnson's analysis reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict, suggesting that Russia's military objectives are becoming increasingly ambitious as the situation evolves.