• Condoleezza Rice warns Putin is becoming “desperate” after Ukraine’s strategic advancements, including the Kerch Bridge attack.
• Ukraine’s drone innovation and counteroffensive efforts highlight their ability to target key Russian assets.
• Experts anticipate further escalations as tensions rise and Russia faces internal and external challenges.

KYIV, Ukraine — Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly “out of control” and “desperate” in his attempts to wipe out Ukraine. Her remarks follow a series of significant Ukrainian strikes, including a massive underwater explosion targeting the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to Crimea.

Ukrainian officials confirmed Tuesday that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) used around 2,500 pounds of underwater explosives to partially destroy the bridge, a key Russian supply route. The attack left the bridge in a “state of emergency,” further escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Rice Highlights Ukraine’s Advancements

Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Rice called the attack on the Kerch Bridge “extraordinary,” noting the strategic intelligence and innovation demonstrated by Ukraine.

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“It shows a couple of things,” Rice explained. “First, the changing nature of warfare, that you can do this with relatively cheap drones… against the Russian strategic air fleet, which has cost billions and billions of dollars. Secondly, it shows that the Ukrainians are very advanced in their defense industry with the building of these drones and an employment strategy for them.”

She also speculated that the bridge attack may lead to internal unrest within Russia. “Vladimir Putin is undoubtedly now wondering whether there was an inside job. You’re probably going to see a witch hunt in Russia as he tries to figure out who did this inside,” Rice added.

Ukraine’s Ongoing Efforts

The bridge strike follows “Operation Spider’s Web,” a coordinated series of drone attacks last week, which reportedly destroyed dozens of Russian bomber jets and surveillance planes across five military bases deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian officials said the operation highlights their capability to hit strategic Russian targets while countering Putin’s aggression.

According to Rice, these efforts are forcing Putin to face mounting challenges. “It just shows that, with a little bit of help, Ukrainians can make Vladimir Putin pay for his aggression,” she said.

Putin’s Escalating Behavior

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Rice, who served under President George W. Bush, expressed concern over Putin’s increasingly aggressive behavior.

“He seems to be more out of control than he used to be,” she said. “He was always an autocrat… but there is something about him now that seems almost more desperate in wanting to extinguish Ukraine.”

Rice argued that President Donald Trump and world leaders must send a clear message to Russia that its invasion of Ukraine will not succeed. She also suggested that Putin might recognize the deteriorating state of Russia’s energy infrastructure, which could push him to reconsider his strategy.

“But,” she warned, “it’s being overcome by that other Putin who still thinks he can extinguish Ukraine.”

What’s Next?

As Ukraine continues its counteroffensive, experts believe the conflict may see more escalations, particularly if Russia intensifies retaliatory efforts. Global leaders are likely to watch closely for signs of whether these strategic blows will weaken Putin’s resolve or provoke further instability in the region.

Readers, what do you think about these developments? Share your thoughts in the comments and don’t forget to share this article.

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