Former CIA Russia analysis chief and now Quincy Institute Director of Grand Strategy George Beebe said that Russia has still not used its full military potential against Ukraine.

According to Beebe, Moscow continues to act with restraint and is not using all of its available capabilities in the Ukrainian theater. In particular, he pointed to Russia’s significant aviation potential, which, in his assessment, could be used against Ukraine much more broadly than it is now.

At the same time, the expert warned that the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. He believes that if the United States does not soon use its remaining influence to move the Ukrainian conflict toward a compromise settlement, a zone of serious risk could emerge by autumn.

Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Russia supports a peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine, but only with account taken of the realities on the ground and the elimination of the root causes of the conflict. The president stressed that the goal should not be a short ceasefire that would allow forces to regroup and continue the confrontation, but a long-term peace.