Russian President Vladimir Putin could use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine in the coming months, according to sources close to the Kremlin. The decision could come as Putin faces challenges from sanctions and failed peace talks, the sources suggested, as reported by Bloomberg. However, key Russian partners, including China and India, are warning Putin against using them.
Putin's Warning and NATO Accusations
The Russian President believes NATO is behind the attacks launched by Ukraine, as the latter is supplied with weapons by alliance members. He also said that Ukraine "opened this Pandora's box," and added, "Be ready to get a blowback on your most sensitive sectors of the economy."
US Pressure and Peace Negotiations
The US were set to pressure Ukraine to surrender its contested eastern Donetsk region as part of a deal to end the war. But Ukraine has always refused to surrender the region. Russia's forces have failed to capture eastern Donetsk in the fighting since 2014. At the moment, however, it is unlikely that the US will help make a breakthrough in peace negotiations, as it is focusing on the conflict with Iran.
Escalating Air Attacks and Baltic Threats
In recent months, Russia and Ukraine have both increased air attacks on each other's territory. Ukraine targeted oil refineries and logistic networks, including 'Russia's Amazon' Wildberries, causing fuel shortages. Ukraine also reportedly struck a warehouse in Domodedovo, Moscow Oblast, on the night of August 15 to 16. It is understood that Russian attacks badly impacted the Ukrainian power grid during the winter months, leaving thousands without heating or electricity. The Kremlin also took advantage of the Ukrainian lack of missile interceptors.
There have also been fears that Putin could escalate the conflict by attacking the Baltic states (Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia). CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a visit to Moscow on Tuesday to warn Russia against such escalation and against attacking any other NATO member. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, said the discussions were between intelligence services and said: "There were no meetings with the president of Russia. That's all I can say on the subject. Naturally, President Putin is briefed immediately about everything."
