US CIA Director: "Putin Faces Training and Equipment Shortages Even with 300,000 Troop Mobilization"

"Cannot throw 300,000 as cannon fodder"
"Putin's nuclear threat must be taken very seriously"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] William Burns, Director of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), analyzed that even if Russia deploys an additional 300,000 troops through the mobilization order issued for the Ukraine front, it will be difficult to resolve issues related to training and equipment shortages. However, he warned that Vladimir Putin's nuclear threats must be taken very seriously.

On the 28th (local time), in an interview partially released by CBS, Director Burns was asked whether he believes Vladimir Putin can mobilize 300,000 troops. He responded, "Even if 300,000 troops are mobilized, it will be difficult because soldiers are not simply thrown into the battlefield as cannon fodder," adding, "Many of those mobilized will not be properly trained and will lack the necessary equipment and logistical support."

Earlier, President Putin declared a partial mobilization across Russia, and the Russian government announced that 300,000 reservist men would be conscripted under this partial mobilization order. However, confusion has intensified as men refusing conscription have protested against the mobilization order or fled abroad en masse. According to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), more than 200,000 Russian men have escaped abroad so far.

However, Director Burns warned that, separate from the mobilization order, Russia's nuclear threats must be approached seriously. When asked if he considers Putin's nuclear threats as bluster, he said, "It is very difficult to assess at this time," adding, "They must be taken very seriously, and we must closely monitor actual preparations." He further emphasized, "Policymakers must communicate very directly with Russia about the severe consequences that would result from the use of nuclear weapons."

Director Burns drew a line by stating that Russia is currently not showing signs of using nuclear weapons. When asked if U.S. intelligence has detected any signs that President Putin intends to actually use nuclear weapons, he said, "U.S. intelligence has not detected any concrete evidence or imminent tactical nuclear threats indicating that Russia is moving toward using nuclear weapons," but added, "However, these threats must be taken very seriously. President Putin and other senior Russian officials are using very reckless and irresponsible rhetoric."