The United States has again accused Russia of planning to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine. 

According to a report by the New York Times, U.S. officials said senior Russian military officials recently discussed the use of a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. 

Although the intelligence did not specify whether the communications of the Russian military were intercepted, it did say that the findings heightened concerns in Washington. 

While the intelligence has been made public, U.S. officials have seen no proof that the Russians are moving nuclear weapons or doing other tactical actions in preparation for a strike.

“We’ve been clear from the outset that Russia’s comments about the potential use of nuclear weapons are deeply concerning, and we take them seriously,” said John Kirby, a U.S. National Security Council official. “We continue to monitor this as best we can, and we see no indications that Russia is making preparations for such use.”

(NAN)