2023-07-22 08:31 Compiled by United Daily News Xu Yuhan / real-time report
U.S. President Joe Biden announced the promotion of CIA Director William J. Burns to the cabinet on the 21st, a symbolic move that highlighted Burns’ influence and the important role his intelligence agency played in responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement released by the Associated Press, Biden said Burns “uses intelligence to gain a critical strategic advantage for our country” and praised him for providing “clear, straightforward analysis that puts the safety and security of the American people first.”
In his statement, Biden said Burns had earned the respect of the courageous members of the CIA’s brave staff with his quiet courage, deep humility and broad expertise. He has led well and represented the best of America, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the days to come.
Burns has been at the heart of the Biden administration, particularly in the White House declassification of Russia’s intelligence strategy for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A career diplomat and former ambassador to Russia, Burns was dispatched to Moscow months before the war to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin of the analysis.
In the nearly 18 months since Putin invaded Ukraine, the United States has provided intelligence support as well as weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. Burns has traveled to Kiev several times to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In November 2022, he was also sent to warn Russia against using nuclear weapons in a conflict.
Burns meets with Biden regularly and often speaks directly to him about Ukraine and other national issues. As a cabinet member, he will work alongside Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines.
In response, Burns also responded in a statement, “The President’s statement today recognizes the important contribution the CIA makes to national security every day and reflects his confidence in our work. I am honored to serve in this position and represent the efforts of our intelligence officers.”
U.S. President Joe Biden on the 21st appointed CIA Director William J. Bu…
Not all governments have senior intelligence officials in their cabinets. Former U.S. President Trump included the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
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2023-07-22 00:31:08
