I think it has more to do with the psychology of Putin, and Russia. And he needs to assure his own people, Parliamentarians, he was talking to, and for that matter, himself, that Russia is still a great power.
Clapper analyzes Putin's need to project strength to maintain domestic and international perceptions of Russia.
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It speaks to Putin's character, and his KGB background, having essentially lawless, mercenary group, a private army, responsible only to him.
It's inconceivable to me that the Russian intelligence services aren't aware of this, and that Putin has certainly at least acquiesced if not directed -- directing it.
Well, no, it doesn't. And the fact that none of this makes sense, but most acutely, I think, nuclear-related information.
I think President Biden made exactly the right judgment, and there is no question that, Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence will certainly comply with that instruction.
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