Former CIA Director Says Putin's Plans Have Failed

• 21.08.2026, 23:44

Ukraine has stood its ground.

The goal of the war that Russia has unleashed against Ukraine is not to seize territory, but to destroy Ukrainian statehood. This view was expressed by the former director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency David Petraeus. He made this statement during an online address at a roundtable discussion at the Kyiv Security Forum, according to the publication “Gordon”.

“Russia’s goal was never merely to seize territory… It was to destroy the very idea of a sovereign, democratic, dynamic, and successful European Ukraine,” said the former CIA director.

According to Petraeus, the Kremlin will not succeed in carrying out this plan. He noted that Ukrainians have demonstrated unity and a willingness to defend their freedom and democracy, thereby thwarting the Russian leadership’s plans.

“You will not surrender your independence, your identity, or your future. That is why, on this Independence Day, I express my respect to all Ukrainians,” the American general said.