PUTIN SEES U.S. WEAKENED BY IRAN WAR MOSCOW MAY SEEK TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
According to a confidential U.S. intelligence assessment cited by The Washington Post, Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that six months of war involving Iran have weakened U.S. military capabilities and depleted parts of America’s strategic weapons stockpiles, particularly missiles and Patriot air-defense interceptors.
The assessment reportedly preceded a secret trip to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe. According to The Washington Post, Ratcliffe warned Russian officials that a major escalation of the war in Ukraine could backfire on Moscow by pushing President Donald Trump closer to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Washington is reportedly concerned that the Kremlin could interpret the depletion of U.S. military stockpiles as an opportunity to increase pressure on Ukraine, the United States, and Washington’s European allies.
The intelligence assessment does not conclude that Russia has decided to attack a NATO member. However, it highlights growing U.S. concerns over the possibility of Moscow adopting a more aggressive military posture in Europe.
The report underscores fears in Washington that Russia could seek to exploit what it perceives as a period of reduced U.S. military readiness following the prolonged conflict involving Iran.
Source: The Washington Post