Spy chief William Burns quipped that the Russian leader was 'probably too healthy' and also addressed tensions with China over Taiwan.
Mr Burns said such engagement was important given the"complicated and dangerous rivalries".
"I think he is determined that his military has the capability to undertake such an action should he decide to move in that direction [in terms of using military force]. This was because of Russia's faltering military performance, the impact of the war on the world economy and how Putin's actions have driven European allies closer together with the US.
"I think our sense is it [the lessons from Russia's war] probably affects less the question of whether the Chinese leadership might choose force down the road to control Taiwan, but how and when they would do it," the CIA director said.
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