A former CIA employee says Russia may control Kyiv and surrounding key cities by year-end.

"Taking Kyiv": Former CIA Employee Makes Bold Remarks After Geneva Talks

Former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency employee Larry Johnson said on the YouTube channel "Deep Dive" that Russia and Ukraine are different, and there is no need for negotiations to win the conflict.

He said, "They (Russia - note) attend these negotiations hoping that Ukraine will realize that if it continues, it will lose more territory."

Johnson believes that even if the negotiations fail, the Russian military can successfully achieve the objectives of the special military operation, liberating more territory. He said that Ukraine cannot gain an advantage over Russia under any circumstances, whether on the battlefield or in negotiations.

Johnson warned: "By the end of this year, they are likely to control Odessa and Nikolaev. If they are just one step away from taking Kyiv, I would not be surprised either."

The Ukraine issue talks were held in Geneva on February 17th to 18th. The Russian delegation was led by Vladimir Medinsky, a presidential aide. He pointed out after the second day of the talks that the discussions were "difficult but practical," and announced that the next round of talks would take place in the near future.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1857538258221184/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.