Sen. Dianne Feinstein, chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says U.S.-Russian relations have devolved to Cold War-era levels and urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “man up” on the downed Malaysia Airlines passenger jet.
She said the nexus between Russia and the separatist rebels controlling parts of eastern Ukraine have been established “very clearly.”
“So the issue is where is Putin?” Mrs. Feinstein, California Democrat, said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “And I would say Putin, you have to man up. You should talk to the world, you should say if this was a mistake, which I hope it was. Say it. Even if it was a mistake, it’s a horrendous mistake to make.”
“And I think it points out the futility of what’s happening in the Ukraine, because there will be repercussions from this,” she continued.
She said that Europe, particularly Germany, has to have a unified response and the United States must continue with sanctions.
“I think the world just has to rise up and say ’enough,’” she said.
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Asked if she believes U.S.-Russian relations are now at Cold War levels, Mrs. Feinstein responded simply, “Yes.”
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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