Russian President Vladimir Putin could consider using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine as a last resort if Moscow concludes that efforts to reach a peace agreement have reached a dead end, according to a Bloomberg report citing people close to the Kremlin. The report comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine and growing concerns over the possible escalation of the conflict. Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for battlefield use and, despite their smaller range compared with strategic weapons, can cause severe destruction and radioactive contamination.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior European officials have confirmed that China delivered a message to Moscow urging Russia not to consider using tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. India and China have also warned against any use of nuclear weapons in the conflict. For now, Russia is reportedly considering intensifying conventional ballistic missile strikes against Kyiv and critical infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities rather than resorting to nuclear weapons.

The nuclear concerns have emerged alongside Ukraine's expanding long-range drone campaign against targets deep inside Russian territory. Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted oil refineries and major e-commerce warehouses as part of efforts to disrupt Russia's wartime economy. Moscow has argued that Ukraine's ability to conduct such attacks is linked to weapons and intelligence supplied by NATO member countries, increasing Russian concerns over the alliance's involvement in the conflict.

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Putin has accused Ukraine of opening what he described as a "Pandora's box" through its expanded attacks on Russian territory and warned of retaliation against critical sectors of the Ukrainian economy. The Russian president has also maintained that Western sanctions have failed to undermine Russia's economy as intended. The latest developments come as military tensions remain high despite continued international efforts to find a diplomatic path toward ending the war.

Meanwhile, CIA Director John Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow this week for meetings with Russian intelligence officials, according to The Wall Street Journal. The visit reportedly included warnings against testing NATO's resolve by attacking an alliance member. US intelligence agencies have assessed that Russia could potentially consider a limited operation against a NATO country in the coming years, with possible scenarios ranging from cyberattacks to a small-scale ground incursion.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected reports that Russia was preparing to attack NATO and dismissed such claims as speculation. Peskov also clarified that Ratcliffe's meetings were with Russian intelligence officials rather than Putin, although the Russian president was briefed about the discussions. Ratcliffe's visit represents the latest high-level contact between Washington and Moscow as concerns over the Ukraine conflict, NATO security and the possibility of further escalation continue to grow.

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