(TheIndependentStar.com) – A scheduled summit between Russian and American leaders on June 21, 2021, will go on, despite the increasingly tense relationship between the two countries. President Joe Biden has been vocal about his intention to use this time to take Vladimir Putin to task over ongoing human rights issues in Russia. The Kremlin, however, has not taken this news well.
Russia recently issued multiple statements indicating its leaders are highly likely to give Americans “uncomfortable signals” during the days leading up to the event. Precisely what this means, however, wasn’t exactly clear — until now.
Experts believe the summit warning relates to the ongoing cyberattacks by Russia-based organizations:
Experts say Putin is making a show of strength in series of cyber attacks ahead of US-Russia summithttps://t.co/nzW1dg1fn9 #FoxNews
— Caitlin McFall (@ctlnmcfall) June 2, 2021
Former CIA Moscow Station Chief Daniel Hoffman stated he felt the cyberattacks are “Putin’s resurgence strategy.” It’s a way for Russia to show that it retains power over the US and is specifically intended as a warning.
Former Defense Intelligence Agency intelligence officer Rebekah Koffler agrees. She says the Russian government often uses criminal gangs to carry out its work because it allows them to deny involvement.
Thus far, Biden’s response to the attacks has been calculated, skirting just shy of placing direct blame on the Russian government. However, he did say the criminals behind it were likely located in Russia. If experts are correct, the president may very well be playing right into Putin’s plan, which just might include additional cyberattacks.
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