In a recent discussion, CIA Director William Burns revealed that during the fall of 2022, there was a genuine concern that Russia might resort to using tactical nuclear weapons on the battlefield in Ukraine. Speaking at the Financial Times Weekend Festival alongside U.K. intelligence chief Richard Moore, Burns emphasized that the potential for nuclear escalation was a serious consideration at the time. However, he cautioned against being “unnecessarily intimidated” by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s frequent nuclear threats.
Burns recounted that, under President Joe Biden’s orders, he personally met with Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin at the end of 2022. In this meeting, the U.S. directly communicated the severe consequences Russia would face should it use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. According to Burns, these warnings have remained firm, with the U.S. continuing to stress the dangers of nuclear escalation to Russia in private communications.
The CIA director stressed the importance of not allowing Putin’s aggressive posturing to provoke unnecessary fear. “Putin’s a bully,” Burns said, adding that while the Russian leader frequently engages in “saber-rattling,” the West should maintain its composure.
Russia’s nuclear doctrine officially remains defensive, permitting the use of nuclear weapons only if the Russian state is under existential threat or in response to weapons of mass destruction. However, concerns have grown since Ukraine’s recent military successes, particularly during its incursion into Russia’s Kursk region in August 2023. These victories, Burns noted, rattled the Kremlin and exposed vulnerabilities in both Russia’s military and the broader Russian state.
In response to these developments, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently announced that the Kremlin is considering changes to its nuclear doctrine. Though the exact amendments have not yet been finalized, these discussions indicate a potential shift in Russia’s approach to nuclear policy, which may escalate tensions further.
As the conflict continues, Burns reiterated the importance of staying resolute and clear-eyed in confronting Russian threats, while maintaining open communication channels to prevent further escalation in what has already become one of the most dangerous conflicts in modern history.
Image Credit : Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
