Putin is 'doubling down' with new offensive by Russia's flagging army because he can't afford to lose, CIA director says

William Burns, the director of the CIA, said on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to redouble his efforts in Ukraine.

At the Financial Times Weekend Festival, Burns said that he thinks doubling down will allow him to make progress.

According to CBS News, Burns said that the Russian leader is in a frame of mind that he doesn't believe he can afford to lose.

The second phase of the Ukrainian offensive has seen Russia refocus its military efforts on the south and east of the country.

The comment that Putin will double down came after reports of low morale among Russian soldiers and the Pentagon's assessment that his forces are behind schedule.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia is concentrated in the Donbas region. Russian troops have failed to take control of major cities after 10 weeks.

The military operation of Ukraine is turning into a successful counter-offensive, according to analysts.

Burns said that Putin's biggest mistake was to underestimate the Ukrainians.

Burns said that the Russian leader is trying to adapt some of the lessons from the first phase.

Putin is expected to make a big announcement on May 9 in order to show Russia's strength ahead of the Victory Day military parade.

There are reports that he intends to formally declare all-out war on Ukraine, which Russia has so far referred to as a special military operation.

According to CBS News, Burns said that they don't see any evidence of Russian planning for deployment or use of nuclear weapons. He said that we can't take lightly those possibilities.