The Kremlin avoided answering whether they would consider the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the occupied territories the Russian Federation is preparing to annexe as an "attack on Russia."

"Only people who behave irresponsibly talk about nuclear escalation. We do not want to pursue this matter any further. We call on everyone to behave responsibly," "Interfax" quotes Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman of the President of the Russian Federation.

When asked whether Russia will extend its nuclear doctrine to the occupied Ukrainian territories, which it is preparing to annexe, and whether it will consider a counterattack on them as an "attack on territorial integrity," Peskov advised to re-read the document.

"You quoted the doctrine completely incorrectly. The correct wording is very important there. I advise you to read it again carefully," Putin's spokesman replied.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, after announcing partial mobilization in the Russian Federation, once again threatened Western countries with nuclear weapons. Western leaders have condemned Putin's nuclear rhetoric, calling it a dangerous escalation and "saber-rattling."

According to Western media, the likelihood that Russian President Vladimir Putin will use a tactical nuclear weapon in his struggling war in Ukraine is perhaps the highest since Russia invaded in February but still unlikely.

Unofficially known that Western capitals are making contingency plans should Vladimir Putin take steps towards acting on his threats of nuclear attacks against Ukraine. The Biden administration said it had warned Russia of "catastrophic" consequences in the event of such a move.

Ben Hodges, a retired general and former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe considers this unlikely, as it would be suicide for Vladimir Putin and his entourage.