Top Russia and military experts have also assessed that there is not an imminent risk of Putin employing a tactical nuclear weapon, but have underscored that the Kremlin’s threats should be taken seriously and that the risk will go up as Russian forces continue to suffer losses and Ukraine’s forces recapture territory.

John Haltiwanger is a senior politics reporter at Business Insider (where this first appeared). He reports on all things politics with a particular focus on national security and foreign policy. John has a BA in History from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and an MSc in International Relations from the University of Glasgow. When he’s not reporting, John is likely searching for the best pizza slice in Brooklyn or watching/playing soccer.