However, using nuclear weapons is very likely sabotage Mr. Putin at home.
Even before the war, American officials had begun to warn of a variety of possible Russian “false flags” activities that Moscow was hoping to use as an excuse for invasion. For example, Russia said that Ukraine was planning to use chemical weapons, and then US intelligence uncover a Russian conspiracy hire crisis agents to create pretexts for aggression.
Pentagon officials got involved Monday after three phone calls in four days between the top civilian Department of Defense official and the top uniformed officer. On Friday, Mr Austin began a phone call with Mr Shoigu, his Russian counterpart, the first time the two spoke since May.
The three officials said the conversation aimed at defining red lines could potentially provoke Russia to launch a nuclear attack on Ukraine and make it clear to the Biden administration why Putin raised the prospect of a nuclear attack. nuclear attack in Ukraine.
Defense Ministry officials were surprised when, two days later, Mr. Shoigu demanded another callat 7:30 a.m. Sunday, in which he accused Ukraine of preparing to use a dirty bomb, two officials said.
The allegation, which the United States considers baseless, has spooked senior defense and military officials, who have expressed concern that Moscow may be using a false flag to distract, cover up some other ominous developments.
That possibility only added to concerns among senior Pentagon officials worried about Russia’s possible next step in the escalation. A senior US official said there have been worrying new developments regarding Russia’s nuclear arsenal. The official requested anonymity and declined to provide any details, because of the sensitivity of the matter.
At a Pentagon briefing on Monday, a senior US military officer said there was no indication that Mr. Putin had made the decision to use a unique weapon – a nuclear weapon. chemical or biological – but does not give details.
