‘Erratic?’ ‘delusional?’ Russia-watchers, lawmakers question Putin’s stability amid Ukraine attack
- Putin further escalated tensions Sunday by placing Russia’s nuclear forces on alert.
- A number of Russia-watchers have used words like “erratic” and “unhinged” to describe him.
- But one former CIA spy says what Putin is doing now ‘is consistent with what he has done.”
WASHINGTON – During several encounters with Russian President Vladimir Putin, former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice recalled a consistent image: that of a “cold and calculating” leader true to his background in the dark arts of the KGB, the Soviet-era spy agency.
Less than a week into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rice sees a noticeable – and troubling change.