NATO Official: Russia Lacks Ammunition and Troops for Major Offensive

(Patria) - Russia lacks ammunition and troops to launch a major offensive in Ukraine and needs to secure significant ammunition supplies from other countries in addition to what it already has, a senior NATO official said.

At a briefing with reporters on condition of anonymity, this official said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is conducting a secret campaign in Europe consisting of planning assassinations, sabotage, and arson to undermine public support for Ukraine.

- What we are seeing today are very large Russian losses. Russia is trying to capture territory. We have seen significant progress in Ukrainian defense - added the NATO official.

He estimated that Russia can sustain a war economy for another three to four years.

Kyiv's forces have been outmatched on the battlefield for months, as the Russian army maintains fierce offensive pressure and makes slow progress in eastern Ukraine.

The official stated that it will "take time" before Ukraine gathers the ammunition and manpower needed to launch new major offensive operations.

- We see them advancing day by day - added the aforementioned official.

NATO has responded to Russia's secret campaign to undermine European support for Ukraine by issuing two statements warning Moscow that the alliance is aware of what Russia is doing.

It has also significantly increased intelligence sharing among member states "so that we have a common picture of what is happening" - the official stated.

He also highlighted what he claims is continuous Chinese supply of "key components" for drones, missiles, and Russia's defense industry.

The official pointed out that Putin "still believes that time is on his side" and is willing to endure "truly enormous numbers of military casualties".

- Russia recruits about 30,000 soldiers per month, which allows it to afford large losses on the battlefield - concluded the NATO official.