Russia may consider tactical nuclear use as last resort
Russia may eventually consider using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine as a last resort if peace efforts remain stalled, according to a Bloomberg report citing people close to the Kremlin.
The sources said discussions about the possibility have increased among hawkish Russian officials as negotiations with Kyiv have effectively reached a deadlock. They also warned that Moscow could intensify ballistic missile attacks against Ukraine, including strikes on central Kyiv and infrastructure in other cities.
Three people close to the Kremlin spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
Peace talks described as deadlocked
According to the report, attempts to negotiate an end to the war have effectively broken down, leaving the two sides at what the sources described as square one.
The Kremlin-linked sources said President Vladimir Putin does not intend to end the conflict because of Western sanctions or Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and logistics networks.
Moscow is also increasingly portraying Ukrainian strikes against energy and logistics targets as attacks effectively backed by NATO, citing the weapons and intelligence provided to Kyiv by alliance members.
Four people close to the Kremlin said that without renewed diplomatic engagement, Russia's leadership sees limited options beyond further escalation to pursue its military objectives.
Low expectations for diplomatic breakthrough
Russian officials are reportedly hoping that US President Donald Trump's representatives, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, could bring new proposals to Moscow.
However, the sources said expectations for a major diplomatic breakthrough from the visit remain low.
No indication of imminent nuclear strike
Bloomberg reported that calls from hard-line voices for the use of tactical nuclear weapons have become more frequent. The report said some in Moscow view such an option as conceivable because, from Putin's perspective, losing the war could be considered worse than prolonging it.
There is currently no indication that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon in Ukraine, according to the report.
Tactical nuclear weapons generally have lower yields than strategic nuclear weapons and are designed primarily for battlefield use against military targets. Russia's nuclear policy has remained under close international scrutiny since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, but no nuclear weapon has been used in the conflict.
Source:turkiyetoday
