Russia ready to attack major Joe Biden 'weakness' over new war fear - Pentagon insider
EXCLUSIVE: A former US Admiral and Pentagon insider warned of "weaknesses" in the Biden administration that Putin could pounce on.
In the wake of the US' $61 billion (£48 billion) aid package for Ukraine, tensions between Washington and Moscow have escalated, with experts warning of a potential backlash from Russia.
Mike Hewitt, a former US Admiral and Pentagon insider, emphasized the significance of the aid package, explaining its strategic and operational importance.
He told Daily Express US: "The $61 billion new funding for Ukraine is both a strategic and operational win.
"Strategically, it has sent a clear signal to Putin that America and its allies remain steadfast in their support for victory over Russia. Operationally and tactically, it gives them the much-needed resources to return to taking the offensive."
However, he cautioned that Russia's response to the aid package is likely to target what it perceives as a weakness in the Biden administration: a fear of escalation.
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He stressed the importance of allowing Ukraine to utilise the equipment provided in the aid package effectively, asserting that without doing so, the impact on Ukraine's war effort would be limited.
Hewitt warned: "Russia's rhetoric in response is to go after a weakness of the Biden administration, which is a fear of escalation.
"It is important to realise that this aid package alone without allowing Ukraine to use the equipment as it is intended - to really take the fight to Russia - will not appreciably advance the war."
The substantial aid package has drawn ire from Moscow, with lawmakers saying it will only exacerbate the war and increase the Ukrainian death toll.
Roughly $23 billion (£18 billion) of the bill will be used to replenish military stockpiles, $14 billion (£11 billion) of it will go to the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative which allows the Pentagon to buy new weapons systems.
More than $11 billion (£8 billion) will fund current US military operations in Ukraine, and about $8 billion (£6 billion) will aid in non-military activities, such as assisting the government with salaries and pensions.
The Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing support for Ukraine with the risk of further antagonizing Russia and potentially triggering a wider conflict.
