Kremlin sources tell Bloomberg that Putin is preparing to escalate the war in Ukraine. A growing number of Russian officials believe that could eventually mean a tactical nuclear weapon.

Sources close to the Kremlin told Bloomberg that Russia is preparing to escalate strikes on Ukraine after concluding negotiations have stalled. Bloomberg reported no signs that Moscow is preparing to use tactical nuclear weapons, despite past nuclear rhetoric aimed at intimidating Ukraine's Western allies.

Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center director Alexander Gabuev told Bloomberg the risk of nuclear use remains extremely low. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not respond to a request for comment.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.