Former CIA director warns: Lithuania next if Putin takes Ukraine
American David Petraeus, a former military officer and CIA director, warns that if Vladimir Putin succeeds in Ukraine, Lithuania could become Russia's next target. As the "Daily Mail" adds, this could be a way for the Russian dictator to test NATO's unity.
David Petraeus, former CIA director and a U.S. Army general, gave a speech in London on Thursday. He confirmed that Vladimir Putin wants to overthrow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, install a "puppet leader" in Kyiv, and gain control over all of Ukraine. "Once that's done, you are going to see them focus on one of the Baltic states," the "Daily Mail" quoted him as saying.
He claims that Lithuania may be Russia's next target if Vladimir Putin succeeds in Ukraine. According to the general, Russia could launch an attack on this Baltic country to test the West's determination or as a prelude to a broader offensive, as reported by the "Daily Mail".
Petraeus argues that an attack on Lithuania may not be an isolated event but part of a long-term plan. He noted that Lithuania has always featured prominently in Putin's speeches.
Petraeus also criticized U.S. policy toward Ukraine, pointing out delays in delivering essential military equipment. He emphasized that such delays were "very unhelpful to the Ukrainians", who had to wait for decisions that ultimately came too late.
We'll see this time what actually happens. The US also temporised far too long over individual decisions such as M1 [Abrams] tanks. A blind man on a dark night could see it had to be the F-16 [a multi- role fighter aircraft], Petraeus said, criticizing Donald Trump's policy.
Petraeus pointed out the massive losses for Russia, which he described as "unimaginable." It is estimated that nearly a million Russians have been wounded or killed on the battlefield.
