British Defense Minister: Russia Will Not Collapse with a Magic Wand

British Defense Minister Ben Wallace stated in a talk with journalists in Washington: "I am optimistic that between this year and next, Ukraine will have the momentum and a position of strength, but we must be realistic that Russia will not collapse with a magic wand." He cast doubt on the "validity and impact of the recently leaked U.S. intelligence documents on British intelligence gathering," noting that "I saw inaccuracies in this leak, or manipulation of information. My advice is not to take it seriously. I have seen leaked things that I know are not true." Wallace added, "We are all susceptible to such leaks. I do not like people leaking things about me or anyone else, but this is the price we pay for being liberal democracies that are open," declining to comment on specific topics in the documents. He continued by saying, "Do I think it will strengthen Russia? No. Will it weaken Ukraine? No. Do I think it has harmed our relationship with the United States? Of course not."