Blinken told EU leaders he believes Russia's war on Ukraine could last until the end of 2022

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told European Union allies that he believes Russia's war on Ukraine could last for the rest of the year, according to CNN.

Two European officials told the outlet of Blinken's assessment that the conflict will not end quickly. Another two said that they believed fighting in eastern Ukraine could continue for another four to six months, CNN reported.

Asked by CNN for comment, a senior State Department official said that Blinken had discussed concerns over the conflict stretching out, but that his goal was to "bring it to a halt as quickly as possible."