Fragmentation of Russia in the current context would be the worst possible outcome because the U.S. needs a coherent Russian state with a strong central government to maintain control of nuclear weapons, making it in the Western interest to NOT want Russian fragmentation.

normativepending

Speaker

Bob Gates

Evidence Quote

the last thing we should want is the fragmentation of Russia. We need a coherent Russian state

Source

Robert M. Gates on Ukraine, China and the international order (Full Stream 2/1)Washington Post Live
Created: 8/11/2026, 1:02:47 AM

My Notes

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