Daniel A. Pinkston (康大植 🥥 🌴 )

The conversation between Vladimir Putin and CIA Director William Burns took place in Moscow in the fall of 2021, as detailed by American journalist Bob Woodward in his new book War. Burns was informed that Putin would speak with him over the phone. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s chief foreign policy adviser, escorted Burns to an office near the Kremlin, then left him alone in the room. The phone rang, and Burns immediately recognized Putin’s voice. Putin began by recalling Burns’s time as U.S. ambassador to Moscow 14 years earlier, then seemed to wait for Burns to deliver his message, likely having been briefed by Nikolai Patrushev on the upcoming discussion. Burns intended to be direct with the Russian president. “We are alarmed that you are seriously considering a major invasion of Ukraine. That would be a mistake. If you do that, here’s what we’re going to do,” Burns said, detailing the instructions given by President Biden, the intelligence on Russian troop movements, and the serious measures the U.S. was prepared to take in response. Putin did not interrupt and appeared to listen closely as Burns outlined the consequences. “We are going to unite the West and impose tough, devastating economic sanctions. Ukraine is a sovereign state, and we will continue to support it. We are also adjusting our military posture in Europe. This is not a threat, but a statement of what we will do in response. You should know that the repercussions will far exceed those you faced in 2014. The United States will ensure that Russia is cut off from SWIFT, isolate you diplomatically, and help Ukraine defend itself.” Putin’s response was lengthy and echoed the familiar themes Burns had heard before: Putin’s beliefs about Ukraine and his confidence in Russia’s ability to exert control. “Ukraine is weak and divided. It’s not a real country. Russia’s interests demand that we control Ukraine’s choices,” Putin stated. The Russian president completely dismissed President Zelensky as a legitimate leader and reiterated his grievances about the Ukrainian government’s legitimacy and NATO’s potential expansion. He claimed that ethnic Russians in Ukraine faced discrimination and persecution. Throughout, Putin’s tone was neither defensive nor apologetic, and he did not dispute Burns’s description of Russia’s preparations for conflict. To Burns, it seemed that Putin genuinely believed his assertions about Ukraine, and that his appetite for risk had grown. Burns posed a question: “With an army of 180,000 to 190,000, how do you plan to control a country of 44 million people who do not want to be ruled by Russia? How will you manage that?” Putin did not respond. As Burns departed Russia, he sent a cable to President Biden from his plane, stating, “I am left with a very strong impression that Putin has already decided to go to war.” United24