Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R), who serves as vice chair on the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned Friday that “something is off” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Rubio says has become “even more dangerous” than in past years.
Rubio added that he wishes he “could share more,” seemingly suggesting he’s seen classified intelligence about the Russian leader.
“I wish I could share more, but for now I can say it’s pretty obvious to many that something is off with #Putin,” Rubio posted to Twitter. “He has always been a killer, but his problem now is different & significant. It would be a mistake to assume this Putin would react the same way he would have 5 years ago.”
I wish I could share more,but for now I can say it’s pretty obvious to many that something is off with #Putin
He has always been a killer,but his problem now is different & significant
It would be a mistake to assume this Putin would react the same way he would have 5 years ago
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 26, 2022
In more recent Twitter posts, Rubio has emphasized how much Putin values his perceived image of strength.
“This is the most dangerous moment in 60 years #Putin’s is facing a humiliating military fiasco & he has triggered extraordinary consequences on #Russia’s economy & people that will not be easy to reverse,” the Republican wrote. “And his only options to reset this imbalance are catastrophic ones.”
This is the most dangerous moment in 60 years#Putin’s is facing a humiliating military fiasco & he has triggered extraordinary consequences on #Russia’s economy & people that will not be easy to reverse
And his only options to reset this imbalance are catastrophic ones
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 28, 2022
Understand for #Putin being seeing as “strong” is essential #UkraineRussiaWar has been humiliating
He is using cluster bombs & other terror tactics to break the will to resist
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) February 28, 2022
Since the conflict intensified on Wednesday, Rubio has outlined what he believes are Putin’s intentions and objectives are.
“Russia has 3 objectives over the next 72 hours -encircle & cut off Ukraine forces in the east -deny Ukraine the ability to resupply via airports and the Black Sea -Set the stage to install a pro-Russian interim government in Kyiv,” the Republican explained Thursday, The Daily Wire reported.
“Putin nuclear threat last night was not a surprise,” Rubio added. “For years now #Russia’s military doctrine in a war against NATO calls for the use of battlefield nuclear weapons in order to ‘escalate to deescalate’ & force a negotiated ceasefire.”
As of Monday afternoon, Ukrainians are still fighting off Russian fighters, exceeding most expectations.
Underscoring the dangers for Ukraine, the nation’s president Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that “prisoners with combat experience will be released from jail and allowed to serve their debt to society on the front lines of the conflict with Russia,” the Daily Mail reported.
“Ukraine’s leader, who has gained plaudits from around the globe for his response to Russian aggression, said inmates will be able to ‘compensate for their guilt in the hottest spots’, in a presidential video address this morning,” the report added.
“Under martial law, Ukrainians with real combat experience will be released from custody and will be able to compensate for their guilt in the hottest spots of the conflict,” Zelensky said.
Related: Marco Rubio Lays Out Putin’s Three Objectives Over The Next 72 Hours
Related: Former Miss Ukraine Poses With Reported Airsoft Gun: ‘I Had A Normal Life Just On Wednesday’
Related: Biden Halts Oil, Gas Leases As Gas Prices Skyrocket At Home