Russia-Ukraine peace talks stall; Moscow may escalate missile attacks, possibly using tactical nuclear weapons

Sources close to the Kremlin suggest that Russia is preparing to significantly escalate its military operations in Ukraine, driven by a belief that peace negotiations have reached an impasse. This potential escalation includes the consideration of more intense ballistic missile strikes targeting the infrastructure of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Furthermore, there are reports that Russia might even consider the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

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Sources close to the Kremlin reveal that Russia is preparing to escalate its military offensive against Ukraine, considering more intense ballistic missile strikes on the center of the capital Kyiv and other cities, and potentially even the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

This shift in strategy reportedly stems from a lack of progress in diplomatic efforts. The Kremlin had apparently hoped for a breakthrough based on an understanding reached between President Vladimir Putin and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in August of the previous year, which involved pressuring Ukraine to cede territory in the Donetsk region. However, Kyiv has consistently rejected this demand.

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The Kremlin had apparently hoped for a breakthrough based on an understanding reached between President Vladimir Putin and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in August of the previous year, which involved pressuring Ukraine to cede territory in the Donetsk region.

Recent months have seen an intensification of aerial attacks by both sides on each other's territories. Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries and warehouses of e-commerce logistics giants, actions Moscow views as indirect operations by NATO countries. President Putin has threatened "heavy blows" in response. The Russian Ministry of Defense has confirmed recent large-scale attacks on infrastructure in five cities and ports, including Kyiv and Odesa.

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Moscow views these attacks as indirect operations by NATO countries, and Putin has threatened 'heavy blows.'

These missile attacks highlight Ukraine's persistent shortage of air defense interception systems. Concurrently, attacks on commercial vessels and ports in the Black Sea raise concerns about global wheat supplies during the crucial harvest season. As the conflict escalates, sources indicate a growing chorus of hardliners within Moscow urging Putin to consider tactical nuclear weapons as a last resort, a move that has alarmed Washington and Western officials. However, experts and Russia's key partners, including China and India, have issued strong warnings against the use of such weapons.

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Sources close to the Kremlin reveal that Moscow's hawks are increasingly urging Putin to use tactical nuclear weapons as a last resort if necessary.