Threat of Russia’s use of nuclear weapons cannot be taken lightly_CIA

The chief of the US Central Intelligence Agency says the threat of Russian use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine cannot be taken lightly.

CIA Director William Burns made the comment in a speech at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the southern US state on Thursday.

Asked whether Russia could use nuclear weapons, Burns said a potential resort to tactical or low-yield ones by the country cannot be taken lightly.

He referred to the possible desperation of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government leaders, citing setbacks in their military operation.

But Burns added that the CIA has not confirmed much practical evidence that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons.

Shortly after Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February, Putin ordered that his country’s deterrence forces be put on high alert.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last month that “the prospect of nuclear conflict, once unthinkable, is now back within the realm of possibility.”