The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with significant predictions from experts about the future of the war.
Larry Johnson, a former CIA analyst, has shared his views on the future of the battle between Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview with the YouTube channel Deep Dive, Johnson stated that Russian forces will eventually capture key Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Sumy, and Odesa.
Predictions from Experts on the Russian Offensive
According to Johnson, Russian forces are making strides in the ongoing conflict.
“I believe that in the end, they will take everything: Dnipro, Sumy—they will even take Kyiv and Odesa before this is all over,” he predicted.
This statement aligns with increasing concerns over the trajectory of the war as Russia intensifies its military operations in the region.
The situation mirrors earlier comments made by Colonel Douglas Macgregor, a former Pentagon advisor.
Macgregor pointed out that in 2022, the United States initially believed Ukraine had the upper hand in the conflict.
However, as of April 17, 2025, Russian forces have been escalating their attacks, shifting the dynamics on the ground.
Russian Forces Strengthen Their Offensive Across Multiple Fronts
As of mid-April 2025, the scale of Russian military operations across Ukraine has significantly increased.
On several fronts, Russian forces have been advancing, leading to more intense clashes.
While both Russian and Ukrainian officials provide contrasting accounts of control over territories, the battle for key locations continues to evolve.
In Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy Oblast, fierce fighting has broken out around the village of Basivka.
Reports indicate that Russian airborne units have gained ground in the area, though Ukrainian officials insist that the battle is still ongoing and that the village has not been fully taken.
This continued back-and-forth highlights the complex and ever-changing nature of the conflict.
Intense Fighting Reported in Southeastern Zaporizhzhia Region
Meanwhile, in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region, Russian forces are adopting new large-scale assault tactics. Ukrainian military sources report that Russian troops are employing a mix of infantry and armored vehicle formations to push through defenses.
Despite these tactics, Ukrainian forces managed to repel a significant attack near several frontline villages, after enduring over two hours of combat.
Who is Larry C. Johnson?
Larry C. Johnson is no stranger to intelligence and national security issues.
As a former CIA analyst, he spent years working in various government roles, including at the United States State Department’s Office of Counterterrorism.
Johnson is also known for his contributions to political commentary, running his own business, and co-founding the Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS).
His career as a business consultant and analyst has made him a regular figure in the media, often sharing his insights on intelligence matters.
The Road Ahead for Ukraine and Russia
With both sides continuing to make aggressive moves, the big question remains: will peace be reached, or is the world heading toward even more war in Ukraine? Johnson’s prediction of Russia capturing major Ukrainian cities only fuels the debate over what the future holds for the country.
As the conflict continues, both experts and everyday citizens are watching closely to see what will unfold in the coming months.
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