Former CIA director says who Russia will attack next if it wins the war in Ukraine
Georgia needs a plan for its security.
Former US Defence Secretary and ex-CIA director Leon Panetta has said that if Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds in Ukraine, his next target will be Georgia. The Voice of America writes that.
I think it's clear that if we don't stop Putin in Ukraine, he will continue his aggression not only against Georgia, but also against other NATO member states bordering Russia. So it is absolutely critical that the United States try to work with Georgia to ensure its security," he said.
Panetta said Georgia must make it clear that it remains "a sovereign state that will determine its own destiny."
He also pointed to Georgia's growing economic dependence on China and warned the Caucasus country's authorities against China's influence on political processes inside Georgia.
Georgia is an important country for China "for many reasons, but the most important thing about Georgia is the ability of the Georgian people to enjoy the benefits of freedom," he emphasised.
Leon Panetta is the 23rd US Secretary of Defence and held this position from July 2011 to February 2013. Prior to becoming Secretary of Defence, Panetta served as Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011.