Russia to emerge from Ukraine conflict weaker, senior Pentagon official says

WASHINGTON – Russia will emerge from the conflict in Ukraine weaker and more isolated, a senior Pentagon official said on Thursday.

“I think with a high degree of certainty that Russia will emerge from Ukraine weaker than it went into the conflict. Militarily weaker, economically weaker, politically and geopolitically weaker, and more isolated,” said Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl.

Khal also said an upcoming Pentagon defense strategy document would declare Russia an “acute threat.” But Russia cannot pose a long-term system challenge to the United States, unlike China, he said.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)