President Putin is not crazy, but his views have become more steadfast. Due to his growing isolation and alienation from his immediate environment, it became challenging to deal with him.
According to The New York Times, this was stated by CIA Director William Burns at a hearing in the intelligence committee of the US House of Representatives.
Putin's deeds and actions should dispel any doubts about his intentions to seize Ukraine. However, the events of the last week hindered his plans; the CIA chief is convinced.
"First of all, the Ukrainians themselves, their courage, their wisdom, and the strength of their leadership surprised and confused him," said William Burns. - He was concerned about the reaction of the West and the determination of the allies, especially some of the decisions made by the German government. He is also embarrassed by the fighting capacity of his own army. "
According to the CIA director, because Russia is dominated by state-controlled media, Russians need time to "realize the consequences" of Putin's actions. However, over time, the mass funerals of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine will impact.
In his turn, the Head of the National Security Agency, General Paul Nakasone, told Congress that the United States closely monitored Russia's cyberattacks on Ukraine. Ukraine's enhanced defense had helped deter more extensive Russian cyberattacks.