US Intelligence Officials Say Lull in Ukraine Conflict Could Last for Several Months

U.S. intelligence officials said Wednesday that the lull in the conflict between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists could last for several months.

The assessment comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been working to negotiate a new cease-fire agreement with the rebels, who have been fighting for control of the eastern part of the country since 2014.

The intelligence officials said that while a full-scale war is unlikely, smaller skirmishes and clashes could occur along the front lines.

The officials said that the Russians have been supplying the separatists with arms and equipment, and that they continue to provide political and diplomatic backing.

At the same time, the U.S. has been providing Kiev with non-lethal military aid, such as tactical radios and counter-sniper gear.

The officials said that the level of violence in the region has decreased significantly since the peak of the conflict in 2014, but that the conflict could still reignite if either side believes it can gain a military advantage.

The officials added that the situation in the region is fluid and that a new cease-fire agreement could easily fall apart.