JOE Biden is “completing misreading” Vladimir Putin who will “strike” over Ukraine if the US thinks his wargames and rhetoric are a "bluff", an expert has warned.
The president urged Moscow to de-escalate tensions on Thursday amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine as fears of a potential conflict escalate.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: “He (Biden) made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.”
Putin hit back as he warned that potential new sanctions could “rupture” ties between Washington and Moscow, according to reports from the Kremlin.
In recent weeks, Russia has ramped up its wargames as officials put its satellite-destroying S-550 missile that’s capable of shooting down “space weapons” into service.
Moscow launched the Angara A-5 – its largest rocket since the fall of the Soviet Union 30 years ago - and added new nuclear missile subs to its ever-growing fleet.
Geopolitical expert Brandon J. Weichert told The Sun: “Putin wins points at home if he beats his chest at the West. But I do think if we’re not careful, Putin will lash out and he will strike.
"Washington is completely misreading this when diplomats and officials say it’s a bluff.”
Weichert branded Putin a “three-dimensional individual”, adding that his strategy is not just about “embarrassing” the West.
The expert criticized western nations for “forcing” Russia into a position after the Cold War where it’s perceived as the enemy of the West.
Weichert also blasted western leaders who have the "fanciful notion that Russia is a giant gas station".
But he warned that the US should remain vigilant amid Moscow’s imperialist aspirations.
Weichert fears that Biden will “appease” Putin in the long-term - either by ceding eastern Ukraine or reinstating the Minsk agreement.
The expert believes Putin will try to “gobble up” the former territories of the Soviet Union, “inevitably” sparking WW3.
He said: “If we cede Eastern Ukraine, it’s going to encourage more aggression. We learned this in the Second World War.”
A Russian attack on Ukraine doesn't appear to be imminent.
Biden and Putin had their second phone call this month on Thursday.
It took place just hours after reports emerged that the US flew a “spy plane” in Eastern Europe.
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