In an interview with The Sun, Wisner remarked on the Russian military's current engagement: "He's signed up his military in a war with Ukraine. How much does he have left over to fight a broader conflict?"
Acknowledging the limitations of Russian military power, Wisner nonetheless cautioned that Putin could escalate or broaden the conflict using unconventional means, such as nuclear weaponry.
Regarding Putin's nuclear threats, Wisner commented: "Nuclear warfare, even limited nuclear warfare, has huge consequences. They would be extremely painful for Russia, not to mention the rest of us."
However, he also expressed some skepticism about the immediate threat: "So I'm not... sitting up at night believing he's about to launch limited nuclear attacks on the West. I don't see that."
Wisner believes that Putin's nuclear rhetoric is primarily intended as a deterrent to Western support for Ukraine.
He indicated, in an interview: "And it's a signal to the Russian population that he's deadly serious about confronting the West - to the point of threatening nuclear warfare."
Winser also expressed concern over the potentially swift conclusion of the Ukraine conflict if Western aid ceased. He advised caution in making predictions, stating: "I have learned over a lifetime in diplomacy and observation of world affairs, don't predict timelines."
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Casting doubt on future geopolitical events, he stated, "I don't see any immediate challenge to Putin's rule of Russia - but then there are many surprises in store for all of us."
Expressing uncertainty over the war's outcome, he commented: "I cannot predict the end of the Ukraine war unless I predict the collapse of Western support for the government of Ukraine and its military effort."
As Winser speculated on future scenarios, he propounded: "If the latter should happen, which would be horrific in its consequences, then I think the war could come to an end one way or another reasonably quickly - six months or so."
Winser made sure to distinguish between the Ukrainian spirit and the resources available by adding, "Not because of the capacity or will of the Ukrainian people to resist Russian aggression, but the physical capability to conduct that resistance."
The Ukrainians nervously anticipate the outcome of this year's election, recalling Trump's prior hesitation to unequivocally back Kyiv in the conflict.
US assistance found form in a $60 billion aid bill passed by the House of Representatives, giving Ukraine a much-needed boost earlier this month.
The said bill had been stuck in limbo for months due to attempts from various Republican lawmakers to obstruct it.
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