Russian President Vladimir Putin is apparently searching for excuses, an ex-CIA official said.
Putin has claimed Russian forces in Ukraine need better weapons.
In recent remarks to journalists, Putin said that Russian forces in Ukraine were fighting with inferior weapons, and that the country is urgently increasing the production of modern weapons for front-line troops.
On Tuesday, Putin specifically told Russian military bloggers and state media war correspondents that Russian forces were short on high-precision ammo and attack drones.
"For me, the really fascinating questions is why does Vladimir Putin address this, and for me, we have to turn to history in Russia.
Persons:
Vladimir Putin, Putin, —, Steven Hall, Hall
Organizations:
CIA, Russian, Service, CNN
Locations:
Ukraine, Russian, Russia