Russian President Vladimir Putin can be “quite dangerous and reckless” if he is cornered, CIA Director Bill Burns told CBS in an interview.
Putin has “gotta be concerned, not just about what’s happening on the battlefield in Ukraine, [but] what’s happening at home and what’s happening internationally,” Burns told CBS.
He noted in particular that despite a pledge from China in February of a “friendship without limits,” Beijing has declined to offer military support that Putin has requested and “controlled their enthusiasm for Russia’s conduct of the war.”
Russia’s rising challenges have left Putin with fewer options, making him potentially more dangerous, Burns suggested.
“Putin cornered, Putin who feels his back is against the wall, can be quite dangerous and reckless,” Burns said.
