August M
Fears of a dramatic escalation in the war are resurfacing after a senior Ukrainian official warned that Russia could turn to its most destructive weapons. The warning highlights growing anxiety about how the conflict might evolve if battlefield dynamics shift.
Kyiv is now openly discussing scenarios once considered unlikely, reports The Express.
Nuclear concerns grow
According to reporting by The Express, Ukrainian military commander Roman Kostenko has cautioned that Russia may consider deploying tactical nuclear weapons if it perceives itself to be losing the war.
Speaking to Channel 24, he argued that Ukraine must prepare for the possibility of weapons of mass destruction being used.
Kostenko suggested such weapons could range from several to dozens of kilotons in explosive power, with potential targets including military positions, infrastructure and major urban areas.
Call for readiness
The commander is pushing for structural changes in how Ukraine prepares for these risks. He said he has introduced legislation to separate biological, chemical and nuclear threats into a distinct national security framework.
“This will be a separate strategy in our law on national security,” he said, emphasizing the need for a more focused response.
His remarks reflect a broader shift in Kyiv’s planning as the war continues without a clear end.
Escalation on ground
The warning comes as Ukraine intensifies strikes on key Russian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently described a “new stage” in efforts to weaken Russia’s war capabilities.
Ukrainian security services said they targeted a major oil transport hub in the city of Perm, describing it as a critical node in Russia’s energy network.
Early reports indicated extensive damage, with multiple storage facilities affected.
Moscow reacts
Russian officials have condemned the attacks, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeling them “terrorist attacks.”
In a separate move, Russia’s defense ministry announced changes to its Victory Day commemorations, citing the current operational situation as the reason for scaling back participation.
The adjustments have added to speculation about internal concerns over security.
Uncertain trajectory
The combination of intensified strikes and increasingly stark warnings has raised fears about how far the conflict could escalate.
While there is no confirmation that nuclear weapons are being prepared for use, statements like Kostenko’s underscore the level of concern within Ukraine’s leadership.
As both sides continue to harden their positions, the risk of further escalation remains a central worry for international observers.
Sources: The Express, Channel 24
