For the first time since 1990, Putin may use tactical nuclear weapons in tests: Reuters

Vladimir Putin may resort to conducting exercises using tactical nuclear weapons as part of the tests if the West allows Ukraine to use long-range missiles. About this informs Reuters.
According to Ulrich Kuhn, a weapons expert at the Institute for Peace and Security Studies in Hamburg, it cannot be ruled out that Putin will want to send a nuclear signal to the West. One possible scenario could be a nuclear test for the purpose of intimidation. “This would be a dramatic step towards the escalation of the conflict,” he said.
The publication notes that Russia has not conducted a nuclear test since 1990, and if this happens, the world may face a new, dangerous phase of confrontation.
Kuhn also emphasized that such tests would be a serious violation of many international agreements that Russia has signed for decades but violated in recent years.
For his part, John Kirby, the strategic communications coordinator of the US National Security Council, said that the United States has no intention of changing its position on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons for strikes on Russian territory. Kirby emphasized that the US continues to support Ukraine, but does not encourage strikes on Russian territory with its weapons.
At the same time, the head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, explained why the US does not give permission for deep strikes on Russia. He noted that no single weapon could completely change the course of the war, and that it was important to focus on helping Ukraine defend its territory.
However, there is information that the USA may allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles of British and French production for strikes on the territory of Russia. However, permission to use American weapons for such purposes is not envisaged.
In response to possible strikes on Russian territory, the Kremlin may intensify hybrid attacks on NATO countries, experts emphasize.