He could be on the brink of a breakdown, he could have Parkinson’s or cancer. In recent weeks and months, there have been repeated reports that Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is seriously ill. Indeed, some videos and photos gave the impression that Putin’s health is not so good. However, according to CIA chief William Burns, there is “no intelligence evidence” for such claims.
“There are a lot of rumors going around. But as far as we know he is far too healthy,” Burns said wryly at a conference in Colorado on Wednesday. There was laughter from the audience, after which the CIA chief clarified: “This is not an official rating.”
Putin wants Russia to become a great power
As a former ambassador to Moscow, Burns had the opportunity at several meetings to personally get to know and analyze the Russian head of state. In Putin, the belief in power, intimidation and revenge is very firmly entrenched. “He believes it is his destiny to make Russia a great power again,” Burns said. Putin is also subject to an illusory perception of the geopolitical situation, the CIA chief continued at the Aspen Security Forum. “I heard him say in private that Ukraine is not a state,” Burns said.
US arms deliveries continue
But this non-existent state – with intensive Western aid – offers fierce resistance to the Russian troops. On Wednesday, the US government announced the delivery of additional multiple Himar-type rocket launchers. The leadership in Kiev was grateful, but also urgently demands the delivery of air defense systems. His country’s victory over the Russian attackers would protect all of Europe, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in his video address on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, his wife Olena Selenska asked Congress for more guns.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
