Ukrainian soldiers firing an anti-aircraft weapon in Bakhmut.
Share this @internewscast.com

VLADIMIR Putin will launch an assault on Lithuania next if he conquers Ukraine, an ex-CIA boss has warned.

The caution comes as Zelensky slammed the Russian despot for “stalling peace talks” following his dismal attempts to get to the negotiating table.

Ukrainian soldiers firing an anti-aircraft weapon in Bakhmut.
Ukraine has accused Russia of ‘stalling’ peace’ talks after Putin’s failed attempts to get to the negotiating tableCredit: Reuters
Ukrainian soldier firing Msta-B artillery.
An ex-CIA boss has warned global leaders of a potential attack on LithuaniaCredit: Getty
Illustration of a map showing a potential Russian attack on Lithuania, with inset images of a tank and Vladimir Putin.

David Petraeus, a retired US general and former CIA director, cautioned that an attack on the Baltic state would not be an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy to test the West.

At the Policy Exchange Think-Tank in London, Petraeus mentioned that Lithuania has “featured prominently” in Putin’s speeches, suggesting he might target the NATO state in his next assault.

Once the installation of a “puppet leader to control all of Ukraine” is complete, there is a significant likelihood that the focus will shift to one of the Baltic states, he added.

Taking aim at Trump, he said the US had dithered too much on “individual decisions” and was giving the Russian president too many second chances – causing immeasurable losses for Ukraine.

He said: “What we’ve seen is three incidences where the US President has threatened that in two weeks we’ll have to take a different approach. 

“We’ll see this time what actually happens. The US also temporised far too long over individual decisions such as M1 [Abrams] tanks.

“A blind man on a dark night could see it had to be the F-16 (a multi- role fighter aircraft).”

Ukraine responded yesterday saying: “The Russians’ fear of sending their ‘memorandum’ to Ukraine suggests that it is likely filled with unrealistic ultimatums, and they are afraid of revealing that they are stalling the peace process.”

His comments come after Trump issued Vlad with a two-week deadline for a ceasefire following Russia’s deadly attack on Ukraine earlier this week.

Trump said in the Oval Office on Wednesday: “I’m very disappointed at what happened a couple of nights now where people were killed in the middle of what you would call a negotiation.”

He added: “When I see rockets being shot into cities, that’s no good. We’re not going to allow it.”

Trump gives Putin two-week ceasefire DEADLINE – but can talks stop bloodbath?

When asked if Putin really wants to end the war, Trump replied: “I can’t tell you that, but I’ll let you know in about two weeks.

“Within two weeks. We’re gonna find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not.

“And if he is, we’ll respond a little bit differently.”

One of the largest stumbling blocks which is delaying any peace deal is said to be over Putin’s desire to control his former Soviet states and keep them away from Nato.

General David Petraeus testifying at a Senate hearing.
David Petraeus called Trump out on giving Putin too many second chancesCredit: Reuters
Vladimir Putin at a videoconference.
The Russian despot says he wants assurance from NATO that it will stop expanding into countries eastwardCredit: AFP
Illustration of a possible post-war map of Ukraine, showing territorial divisions and troop deployments.

This includes Ukraine themselves with the Kremlin always saying Kyiv gaining access to the group is a complete no go under any circumstances.

Kyiv has repeatedly said that Moscow should have no say in its sovereign right to pursue Nato membership however.

He declared he will only call off the war in Ukraine if the West vows to keep its hands off Russia’s prized former Soviet states.

Putin even demanded he got the assurances in writing.

The Russian president said he wants a “written” pledge from Western leaders to stop Nato’s expansion to countries eastward, top Russian officials revealed to Reuters.

The eastward expansion refers to Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova and other former Soviet republics.

Putin is reportedly preparing for a major push to take more land in the north east.

Military analysts believe he is trying to press home his advantage and capture more Ukrainian land.

They warn that Putin only has a “four-month window” to get a breakthrough in Ukraine this year.

And this could be the beginning of Russia’s summer offensive targeting the border city of Kharkiv – the “fortress” city of Ukraine which put up the maximum resistance at the start of the invasion.

Reacting to the reports, German Chancellor Freidrich Merz predicted that peace was still a long way off.

He said: “Wars typically end because of economic or military exhaustion on one side or on both sides and in this war we are obviously still far from reaching that [situation].

“So we may have to prepare for a longer duration.”

David Petraeus speaking at an event.
Petraeus said Putin had often mentioned Lithuania in his speechesCredit: Getty
Vladimir Putin speaking at a meeting.
Putin is reportedly preparing for a major push to take more land in the north eastCredit: Getty
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
What charges did Sean 'Diddy' Combs face at his trial?

What were the legal accusations against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs in court?

The three-time Grammy Award winner pleaded not guilty to five felony charges,…
House Republicans are pushing Trump's big bill to the brink of passage

Republicans in the House are close to passing a major bill backed by Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans are set to vote on President Donald…
Police officers at a Chicago crime scene.

Tragedy Strikes Chicago: 3 Dead, 16 Injured in Nightclub Shooting Following Rapper’s Album Release Party

THREE individuals lost their lives and 16 others were hurt in a…
The key to solving your relationship problems might come down to your emojis, new study reveals

New Study Suggests Emojis Could Be the Secret to Resolving Relationship Issues

Emojis can improve relationships, according to new research. American researchers suggest that…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail after mixed verdict in sex trafficking trial; virtual hearing set for Tuesday

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs denied bail following mixed verdict in sex trafficking case; online court session scheduled for Tuesday

SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn — On Wednesday, outside the federal courthouse, Sean “Diddy”…
Jamie Raskin Is Going to Have a Tough Time Getting Off the Mat After This Trump Roundhouse

Jamie Raskin Faces Challenges Recovering from Trump’s Latest Blow

President Trump sharply criticized Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) after the congressman confessed…
Fruit salad with blueberries, kiwi, banana, and strawberries.

The FDA Issues Urgent Recall on Tainted Fruit Due to Severe Health Risks, Including Miscarriage and Death

HUNDREDS of boxes of a popular fruit are being recalled after it’s…
Forsyth and Adams streets now open to 2-way traffic in Downtown Jacksonville

Two-Way Traffic Resumes on Forsyth and Adams Streets in Downtown Jacksonville

The orange barrels that lined Forsyth and Adams streets have been removed.…
At least 2 dead, 43 missing after ferry sinks near Bali

Tragic Ferry Sinking Near Bali: 2 Dead, 43 Missing

On Thursday, rescuers were searching for 43 individuals reported missing after a…
Family initiates lawsuit against city of Homewood over death of 18-year-old Jabari Peoples

Peoples family files a lawsuit against Homewood city over the death of 18-year-old Jabari

The family of an 18-year-old who passed away after a confrontation with…
British Star Makes Disgusting Comment About Number of Her Abortions

British Celebrity Sparks Controversy with Comments on Her Abortion Experiences

I’m sorry, the word abortion is horrible. But to joke that one’s…
Charlize Theron, 49, makes candid sex confession about hookup with a 26-year-old

Charlize Theron, 49, Opens Up About Intimate Encounter with a 26-Year-Old

Charlize Theron recently had a “f–king amazing” hookup with a 26-year-old. The…