CIA warns against Moscow’s use of smaller nuclear weapons

The US secret service CIA has warned that Russia could use smaller nuclear weapons in the Ukraine war.

Faced with “possible desperation” over military “backlash”, Russian President Vladimir Putin could order the use of “tactical or short-range nuclear weapons,” CIA Director William Burns said Thursday.

“Obviously we are very concerned,” said Burns, while stressing that there is “not a lot of practical evidence” of preparations to use such weapons.