Russia is preparing to intensify attacks on Ukraine, after the Kremlin reportedly concluded that negotiations to end the war have reached a deadlock.
Moscow is considering stronger conventional ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, including in the city center, as well as on infrastructure in other Ukrainian cities, reports Bloomberg, citing sources close to the Kremlin who requested anonymity.
According to them, the negotiation formulas attempted so far have failed, and Russia and Ukraine have practically returned to square one. Vladimir Putin reportedly does not intend to end the war under the pressure of Western sanctions and Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and logistical networks.
The sources cited claim that the current phase of the conflict does not represent the maximum level Moscow is willing to reach.
Putin Threatens Strikes on Ukrainian Economy
The Kremlin leader publicly conveyed his intentions over the weekend, downplaying the effects of Ukrainian attacks on the Russian economy and threatening Kiev with reprisals.
"The regime in Kiev has tried to affect our economy. What did they do? They opened this Pandora's box themselves. Well, then they should expect a response targeting the most sensitive economic sectors," Putin said to Russian state television, according to Reuters.
Moscow increasingly insists that Ukrainian attacks are actually NATO attacks, as Alliance states provide arms and information to Kiev. NATO rejects this accusation and states that supporting Ukraine's right to self-defense does not make the Alliance a party to the war.
In recent months, Ukraine has expanded its attacks on Russian refineries, energy installations, and logistical centers. Even warehouses of major online retail companies Wildberries and Ozon have been hit, and attacks on the oil industry have caused disruptions in fuel supplies.
Russia, in turn, has continued massive attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. The lack of interceptors for anti-aircraft systems, especially for Patriot batteries, leaves Ukraine vulnerable to ballistic missile strikes.
American Negotiations Have Not Produced an Agreement
The Trump administration's efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the war have not yet yielded a decisive result. Discussions have stalled, while Washington's focus has largely been on the conflict with Iran.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow on Tuesday and met with representatives of Russian intelligence services. The Kremlin confirmed the meetings but stated that Ratcliffe was not received by Putin. The Russian leader was reportedly briefed on the discussions' outcome afterward.
The topics discussed have not been made public. Donald Trump described the visit as "semi-routine," but said that "something could come out" of these contacts and that Washington continues to try to end the war.
American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Moscow and Kiev, but the dates of the visits have not been set.
Four sources close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg that in the absence of diplomatic progress, Moscow believes it has few options other than a new escalation to achieve its military objectives.
Radical Voices Bring Nuclear Weapons Back into Discussion
In this climate, more and more radical voices from Moscow are calling for a much harsher response against Ukraine. Some have even raised the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons.
Bloomberg sources claim that there are Russian officials who believe Putin may consider this option as a last resort if Russia is at risk of losing the war. However, this is an assessment attributed to individuals close to the Kremlin, not evidence of a decision made.
Currently, there are no indications that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.
Tactical nuclear weapons generally have less power and range than strategic ones and are designed for battlefield use. Even so, their explosive power can be immense, and radioactive contamination can affect large areas. Using such a weapon would violate the nuclear taboo maintained since 1945, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan.
China and India, two of Moscow's most important partners, have repeatedly warned Russia not to resort to nuclear weapons. Putin is set to meet with Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi next week at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Kyrgyzstan.
G.P.