German Intelligence Chief Says Russia Is Capable of Carrying Out Special Military Operations for a Long Time

President Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (front left) along with a number of top Russian military officials. (Wikimedia Commons/Presidential Press and Information Office)

JAKARTA - Russia is capable of continuing its military operations in Ukraine for a long time, said the Head of the German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) Bruno Kahl.

"Russia, as before, remains capable of leading... (military operations in particular) for a long time," the DPA news agency quoted the intelligence chief as saying, as reported by TASS, May 24.

Furthermore, Kahl also said that the intelligence services did not see that the conflict in Ukraine had shaken the authority of the Russian state.

When asked whether the BND was aware that last year's Russian invasion would definitely begin, he said: "Fourteen days before the start (of the conflict), we noted a phenomenon that could hardly be interpreted in any other way."

On the same occasion, Kahl did not see any weakening of the Government of Russian President Vladimir Putin, related to the protracted war in Ukraine.

"We don't see any loopholes in (President, red) Putin's system," Kahl said, as quoted by DW.

Kahl argued that public criticism of the management of the war was a routine dispute in Russian society and did not pose a threat to President Putin's government.

"Russia is still capable of waging a long-distance war," he said, pointing to the newly recruited soldiers.

Kahl added that Russia also has sufficient equipment and ammunition. Although, he considered that Russia also has several vulnerabilities, including the performance of the armed forces.