Can Putin Order the Assassination of Biden? Exploring the Feasibility and Consequences

There has been much speculation about whether Russian President Putin could order the assassination of U.S. President Biden. While some might believe this is within his powers due to his leadership, the reality is more complex. Let's explore why such action is highly improbable and the potential consequences of such an event.

The Reality of Putin's Regime

Being part of Putin's regime is not a suicide pact. As a political leader, he relies on the support of his allies, who also have their lives and purposes to protect. Ordering an assassination would risk destabilizing his own position. His team understands the risks involved and would not blindly follow such an order, especially not one that could lead to the escalation of conflict or international condemnation.

Assassination as an Option

Although Putin could issue an order for the assassination of Biden, it would be a far-reaching and risky decision. Assassinating a head of state is considered an act of war, particularly when the targeted country is a member of NATO. The consequences of such an action would be devastating:

Declaration of War: The attack would be seen as an act of war, leading to a full-scale military conflict. Nuclear Threat: Given NATO's allies, including the United States, the conflict could easily escalate to a nuclear exchange. Guaranteed Defeat: Russia is not prepared for a conventional war against NATO, let alone a nuclear conflict.

The reality is that such an action would not just end in failure but could result in the total destruction of Russia. The potential for widespread destruction and civilian casualties makes it a nearly impossible option for Putin to consider.

Political and Strategic Considerations

Politically, Putin has no incentive to order such an assassination. Currently, he has never had it so good since he is seen as a weak and ineffective leader. His cabinet and allies see benefit in keeping Biden in office. Bombing Ukraine and the country that helps launder his money may be seen as a temporary solution, but the instability it creates does not serve the long-term interests of the regime.

From a strategic standpoint, Biden's positions and policies may not be ideal, but Putin's calculus is that he would rather have a weak and divisive leader than a strong and unyielding one. Biden's actions and statements have not played out as Russia initially expected, but that does not change the fact that the US is led by someone who, while not perfect, still has significant support and control over military and security operations.

Security Measures in Place

It's highly improbable that Putin could order an assassination. The security measures in place for protecting the U.S. President are extensive and robust. For instance, as someone who had the privilege to greet former President Obama at the Boston airport, I can attest to the stringent security protocols in place. Even before Obama arrived on Air Force One, an armored vehicle was already waiting for him. This vehicle is specifically designed to be bomb-proof, bullet-proof, and incredibly strong. No one, not even Putin, could gain access to this vehicle to eliminate the President.

The influence of past actions also plays a role. Putin's relationship with Donald Trump, for instance, was significant. His support of Trump led to a favorable outcome in the 2020 election, which further deepened his strategic interests in maintaining the current U.S. leadership. While it might be tempting to consider eliminating Biden, the strategic benefits of having him in office outweigh any perceived disadvantages.

Future Considerations

As the Democratic Party and their allies consider future elections, the idea of eliminating Biden might indeed become a topic of discussion. However, the enormity of such an action cannot be overlooked. The United States is a global superpower, and any attempts at destabilizing it through assassination would have catastrophic consequences. The focus should be on diplomatic and strategic dialogue rather than such extreme measures.

In conclusion, while Putin could theoretically order an assassination, the strategic, political, and practical implications make it a nonsensical and highly improbable action. The U.S. is better served by maintaining stability and dialogue with its leadership, ensuring a safer and more predictable international environment.