Top US military intelligence official says Russian military poses an ‘existential threat’ to the US

Berrier’s comments come as tensions between Russia and the US remain high. The US unveiled sanctions against Moscow earlier this month over its interference in the 2020 US presidential election, the SolarWinds cyberattack and its ongoing occupation and “severe human rights abuses” in Crimea.

“So I responded directly and proportionately to Russia’s interference in our elections and cyberattacks on our government and our businesses — they did both of these things, and I told them we would respond, and we have. But we can also cooperate when it’s in our mutual interests,” Biden said.

Tensions high but a summit could take place

Russia has not yet responded officially to the United States’ offer of a summit, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday.

“We are still looking into this proposal and analyzing the situation,” Peskov said. “Each time Washington’s words about the summit meeting are accompanied by words about the need for Russia to pay some kind of price and about inevitable sanctions. So of course, deep analysis is required here.”

A buildup of Russian troops along the border in recent weeks had reignited tensions in eastern Ukraine, where government forces have battled Russian-backed separatists demanding independence from Kiev since 2014.

“At present, military units and formations are marching to railway stations, airfields, loading onto landing ships, railway platforms and military transport aircraft,” Tass reported on April 23, citing the Ministry of Defense.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s announcement came weeks after Moscow initiated the largest buildup of troops near the Ukrainian border since 2014. It was unclear from the announcement how many troops would remain in the region.

Berrier emphasized that the Russian military’s power comes from its investment into and development of nuclear weapons as well as its “conventional force largely postured for defensive and regional operations.”

“Russia has a growing ability to project power with long-range precision cruise missiles and limited expeditionary capabilities,” he added.

Berrier pointed out that Russian military leaders are “incorporating lessons from Russia’s involvement in Syria into training and exercises.”

When questioned by Sen. Deb Fischer, a Nebraska Republican, about Russia’s nuclear warhead development, Berrier confirmed Defense Intelligence Agency assessments from 2018 that stated Russia is updating its nuclear warhead production complex and is producing “hundreds of nuclear warheads each year,” saying those assessments are still valid.

Berrier also confirmed that while the US is adhering to the nuclear testing moratorium, Russia is not.

“The United States believes that Russia probably is not adhering to the nuclear testing moratorium in the manner consistent with the yield, or with the zero yield standard. The United States, by contrast, is upholding a zero yield standard, end quote,” Fischer said. “Does that still remain DIA’s assessment?”

“It does, Senator,” Berrier said.