Putin's aims in Ukraine are unchanged but lacks the 'manpower and morale' says Pentagon

President Vladimir Putin's aim of seizing Ukrainian territory has not changed, but Russian forces continue to suffer from military weaknesses including the amount of troops they have, the Pentagon said on Friday (January 6).

Laura Cooper, a deputy assistant secretary of defense focusing on Russia and Ukraine told reporters during a Pentagon briefing that the reality of the Russian armed forces weaknesses has collided with Putin's aims.

Cooper also confirmed fighting on the ground during the window of the ceasefire ordered by Putin from midday on Friday to observe Russian Orthodox Christmas.

Ukraine has said it has no intention to stop fighting, rejecting the purported truce as a stunt by Moscow to buy time to reinforce troops that have taken heavy losses this week.

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