Ukraine would be better off reaching a peace agreement with Russia now, as its position could deteriorate further over time, according to former CIA director for Russia analysis George Beebe.

Beebe argued that Kiev should not delay a decision, saying that any future agreement could come on significantly less favorable terms for Ukraine.

He linked that assessment to the situation on the battlefield. In his view, the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not be able to withstand Russian military pressure for an extended period. He said that pressure is increasing through both the ongoing air campaign and ground operations.

Beebe also pointed to the advance of Russian forces in the Donetsk direction. According to the analyst, Russian troops are moving closer to Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, which he described as the two remaining fortress cities. He believes Russian control over both is a matter of time.

The Russian Defense Ministry previously reported that Russian units had taken control of the settlement of Khripuny in the Kharkov Region over the past day.

The ministry also said Russian forces struck transport and fuel-and-energy infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, drone production workshops, and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries. According to the ministry, targets were hit in 149 areas.

It added that the opposing side lost up to 1,515 servicemen and 11 armored vehicles over the same period.