Russian officials reportedly believe tactical nuclear weapons could become a last resort as the Ukraine war continues.
A growing number of Russian officials believe Vladimir Putin could eventually use tactical nuclear weapons as a last resort in the country’s war with Ukraine, Bloomberg reported.
Speculations have risen after negotiations for a peace deal reached a stalemate, along with CIA Director John Ratcliffe making a rare visit to Moscow for talks with his Russian counterparts.
While Washington has not disclosed the purpose of his visit, sources say Ratcliffe warned Russia against escalating the war with neighboring European countries, including those in the Baltics.
The unnamed Kremlin officials also claimed conventional ballistic missiles are being considered to strike the center of Kyiv along with critical infrastructure in neighboring cities.
They cited continued strikes on Russian ships in the Black Sea and oil refineries as the main reasons behind Putin’s latest push.
Persistent attacks on critical infrastructure have led to shortages in tactical supply and equipment on both sides, with Russia said to have suffered billions of dollars in damage to its logistics networks.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has experienced a loss of air defense interceptors that has left it vulnerable to strikes on urban areas, including a recent AI-powered drone incursion in Zaporizhzhia that killed three civilians.
International Response
Former President Joe Biden previously assured Russia of a widespread US-led response with Western allies if nuclear weapons were used during his term.
While Donald Trump has yet to issue a similar warning, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky claimed Russia’s key trade partners China and India have strongly advised Putin against using his nuclear arsenal in the war.
“I think you have heard such voices in Russian media — ‘What if we respond to Ukrainian strikes with nuclear weapons?’ China responded very clearly and very firmly, even in ultimatum form, that there cannot even be thoughts about the use of nuclear weapons,” Zelensky said in July, as quoted by Bloomberg.
