- Fmr. Fmr.
- Mullen stated that he believed he was more dangerous than he is on ABC’s “This Week.”
- Mullen’s comments were made following a weekend attack against the strategically important Kerch Strait Bridge.
Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called Russian President Vladimir Putin “cornered” following his military’s mistakes in Ukraine. However, he also stated that Putin was becoming more and more dangerous on the international stage.
The retired admiral stated that the United States should not ignore Putin’s threats to nuclear weapons. He also said that there were “lots of options” in case he did attack.
“He’s a cornered … animal and I think he’s more and more dangerous,” Mullen. “I think it is important to take him seriously, and to think about the best way to respond. It speaks also to the importance of getting to the table.
Putin stated last month that the threat by his country to engage in nuclear war was “not a bluff.”
Russia in recent months has experienced substantial casualties and retreated from several parts of the country where they sought a foothold — with Ukrainian counteroffensives in the east blunting Moscow’s longterm plans for the country.
Putin declared a partial mobilization for reservists recently, but thousands fled Russia, not wanting to die in a conflict that they didn’t support.
Last week, retired Gen. David Petraeus — who also led the CIA in 2011 and 2012 — said that the war “looks very dire” for Putin.
Petraeus stated that “the bottom line is Ukraine has done far better than Russia in mobilizing its capacities in recruiting, training and equipping, help from the US and NATO countries big time, organizing and employing additional troops and capabilities.”
Mullen however stated that the Kerch Strait Bridge explosion, a crucial crossing linking Russia and the Crimean Peninsula this weekend, could make it more likely for an attack. It is “logistically vital” for Putin.
