Retired general floats new Putin theory
A retired US Army general has discussed a new theory about Russian President Vladimir Putin and his attempts to block further support from the United States and Europe to Ukraine.
General Keane said he believed the Russian President was in the middle of conducting a “massive information campaign” in America.
Appearing on Sky News Australia’s The Bolt Report on Wednesday, the former US Army vice chief of staff explained how the Russian campaign is trying to influence the views of political figures in America as well as the public.
“He (Putin) is conducting, according to my sources, a massive information campaign in the United States as we speak to influence politicians, the media and the American people writ large to not fund the war in Ukraine,” the retired general said.
“He knows full well that Ukrainian success is tied to the United States-led coalition in providing support for Ukraine.
“They wouldn’t be where they are today without that support.
“And if he can get the United States to take a knee and the Europeans as well then Putin will have what he wants.”
General Keane said Mr Putin is hoping support for Ukraine will wane and that the war becomes “protracted” which could give Russia a strategic edge.
“It will be a protracted war where [Putin] believes that over time – because he has more people and therefore he will also have more equipment if the equipment begins to dry up – that he will win in the long run,” General Keane said.
“That would be an absolute strategic defeat for the United States and the Europeans and those who are supporting Ukraine,” he continued.
“And we have got to stand up to it.
“We have got to recognise it for what it is and continue to support the Ukrainians.”
General Keane’s arguments follow reporting from the New York Times which revealed American officials are convinced Mr Putin is instructing his spy agencies to disseminate propaganda to try to end US support for Ukraine.
The report suggests material is being deliberately circulated by Russia online to stoke support for pro-Russian political parties and spread conspiracy theories.
It comes after the US Congress passed a funding bill last weekend that narrowly averted a federal shutdown.
The bill did not include extra funding for Ukraine, after continued support for the besieged nation became a point of contention for Republicans during discussions.
General Keane pointed out that the US has another $5.2 billion in funding it has not yet spent on Ukraine which will last for another two to three months.
“The reality is, there is continuing money so there is no reason for Ukraine to go off the cliff or something because they are not going to get weapons; that is going to continue,” he said.
The retired general noted there was no doubt Republican opposition exists towards continued funding for the war-torn nation but that opposition remains a minority.
“I’m not hiding the fact there is opposition in the United States for continued funding. But it is not a majority, it is a minority,” he added.
President Joe Biden has maintained US support for Ukraine remains a priority for the government.
This article has been archived for your research. The original version from Sky News Australia can be found here.
