Former CIA analyst McGovern answered the question about the US plans for Russia and China with a quote from Putin

He said this in an interview with YouTube-channel Judging Freedom.

Host Andrew Napolitano asked McGovern if, in his opinion, the American side would be able to wage war against Russia, while exacerbating the situation around Taiwan.

"No, and this can only be explained by Putin's words at the plenary session of Valdai," he said.

According to RIA Novosti, in October, at the plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club, Putin doubted the normality of the American authorities, who, against the background of opposition to Moscow, spoil relations with Beijing. Putin wondered why at that time the Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan and thus provoked Beijing.

"There's no shisha of any subtle idea, just nonsense, and that's it. And self-confidence, <... > self-confidence and a sense of impunity," the Russian president said.

Putin also said that the visits of US officials to Taiwan are a provocation.