The CIA assessed Putin’s readiness to use tactical nuclear weapons
The CIA does not currently see any clear evidence of Russia’s plans to use tactical nuclear weapons. Most likely, with its rhetoric, the Russian Federation aims to intimidate
This was said by the head of the CIA, William Burns.
“I think that the rattling of (nuclear – ed.) weapons is intended to intimidate. Today we do not see clear evidence of plans to use tactical nuclear weapons,” he said.
According to Burns, the US made it very clear to the Russians what serious risks the use of nuclear weapons would have. At the same time, he voiced the expectations of the United States from the position of China and India regarding nuclear threats to Russia. Burns believes that Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin have formed a fairly close partnership in recent years
“I think it’s also been very helpful that the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping, and the Prime Minister of India have also expressed their concern about the use of nuclear weapons. I think that affects the Russians as well,” Burns noted.
At the same time, William Burns believes that at this point in the war with Ukraine, Russia is not in the mood for real negotiations.
“Most conflicts end with negotiations, but that requires seriousness on the part of the Russians, which I don’t think we see in this case. At least, we don’t think the Russians are serious about real negotiations at this point,” he added.
According to the head of the CIA, Putin mistakenly believes that he can continue the war for a long time and nothing will stop him. He noted that the Russian military is now “heavily beaten,” and the Ukrainian military is determined to continue the pressure and develop successes on the battlefield.
- On November 20, the head of the Pentagon said that a full-scale Russian invasion could cause a nuclear arms race
- On November 29, Russia accused the United States of disrupting negotiations on nuclear arms control.
- On December 9, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that Russia was expanding its nuclear arsenal. According to experts, Russia has the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world, numbering about 6,000 warheads. Together, Russia and the USA possess about 90% of the world’s nuclear warheads – this is enough to destroy the planet many times over.
