There is precedent for Putin talking to Xi, saying we may be forced to do something a little bit more aggressive – Ray McGovern
Published 18 May, 2026 17:29In this episode of RT’s Sanchez Effect, Rick talks to former CIA analyst Ray McGovern. Rick was fascinated to see many experts like Scott Ritter and Daniel Davis saying that Russia is about to retaliate in response to the massive EU-backed Ukrainian drone raids. But Ray remains skeptical, he says that Putin is very “cool” and can’t be provoked. He insists that he doesn’t see Russia escalating while winning on the ground in Ukraine. McGovern says that Putin is confident that the European people won’t allow their unpopular leaders to spark a major conflict against Russia. Ray also shares his experience of briefing US Presidents - adding that Israeli influence was already causing trouble for Washington in 20th century. All this and more here, on RT International or on BitChute ‘ricksancheztv’.