The top US general in Europe stated on Tuesday that there “could be” a gap in US information gathering that caused the US to overestimate Russia’s capability while underestimating Ukraine’s defensive capabilities before Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Also read: Ukraine cannot trust Russia that is ‘still pursuing our annihilation,’ says Zelensky

When Russia invaded Ukraine last month, US intelligence predicted that the country-wide assault would result in Kyiv falling into Russian hands within days. However, as the battle enters its second month, Russia’s military has been mired down around the city, beset by logistical and logistics issues, as well as unexpectedly fierce resistance from Ukrainian fighters.

During a hearing before the US Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, US European Command chief Gen. Tod Wolters was asked by Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker if there was an intelligence gap that caused the US to overestimate Russia’s strength while underestimating Ukrainian defences.

Also read: Ukraine missile hits military camp inside Russia for first time: Report

“There could be,” Wolters responded. “As we’ve always done in the past, when this crisis is over with, we will accomplish a comprehensive after-action review in all domains and in all departments and find out where our weak areas were and make sure we can find ways to improve, and this could be one of those areas.”

While US intelligence was spot on in forecasting Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine, which the Biden administration aggressively disclosed in order to shift world sentiment against the Kremlin, the intelligence community did not appraise Russia’s military’s poor performance.

Also read: Intense fight continues in Kyiv suburbs, despite Moscow promise of retreat: Report

In the early hours of the war, US officials offered to assist Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in fleeing the nation as Russian troops advanced on Kyiv, thinking he would be killed. Zelensky rejected, instead requesting arms to aid Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

The United States and NATO allies have continued to provide weapons to Ukraine’s military, notably Javelin anti-tank missiles and Stinger anti-aircraft missiles deployed against Russian soldiers. According to people acquainted with the numbers, thousands of Russian troops have been killed in the fight. According to US authorities, there is anecdotal evidence of morale issues in the Russian military.

Also read: Putin created a ‘global food crisis,’ says US deputy secretary of state

Russia announced on Tuesday, more than a month into the war, that it would “drastically reduce” its military assault on the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Chernihiv following negotiations between representatives from the two countries on Tuesday. According to CNN, Moscow has made a “major” strategy adjustment, with Russian soldiers pulling back in some parts of the north and focusing on gains in the south and east.