Russia Says U.S. Approaching 'Dangerous Line' Amid Nuclear Warnings

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov recently warned the U.S. against bringing tensions with Russia "closer to a dangerous line" following key Biden administration officials warning Moscow against the use of nuclear weapons.

The potential of Russia using nuclear weapons became a global concern when President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24. After seven months of fighting, Ukraine's stronger-than-expected defense has prevented Putin's military from accomplishing any of its major goals in the conflict.

Amid mounting losses, last Wednesday, Putin announced a partial mobilization in an effort to recruit about 300,000 reservist troops. His announcement renewed worries that he could resort to nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, U.S. officials warned Russia against using nuclear weapons.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an appearance on CBS' 60 Minutes said U.S. officials have made the consequences of nuclear weapon use "very clear." He did not say what those consequences would be, but said the Biden administration has a plan in place if nuclear weapons are used in the conflict.

"We have been very clear with the Russians publicly, and, as well as privately, to stop the loose talk about nuclear weapons," Blinken said.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also said on NBC's Meet the Press that Russia would face "catastrophic consequences" if they "went down the dark road of nuclear weapons use."

"Russia understands very well what the United States would do in response to the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine because we have spelled it out for them, and I will leave it at that today. But as far as the question of deterrence is concerned, you know, Russia will make its decisions, but it will do so fully understanding that the United States will respond decisively," he said.

Following these warnings, on Monday, Ryabkov said the U.S. should "cool down" before they bring the conflict "closer to a dangerous line" while speaking on Russian state television, according to Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

"We tell our American interlocutors again and again, to use the most neutral word, that they should, as they say, cool down and not pump up the situation, not bring it closer to a dangerous line," Ryabkov said, according to RIA.

What Russia Has Said About Nuclear Weapons Amid Partial Mobilization

On Wednesday, September 21, Putin announced Russia's partial mobilization following weeks of Ukrainian gains amid counteroffensives near the key cities of Kherson and Kharkiv. There have been mixed messages coming from Russia about the use of nuclear weapons—with officials at times using cautious about the issue, while Russian state television has at times resorted to more inflammatory remarks.

During his address announcing the partial mobilization, Putin appeared to threaten the use of nuclear weapons. He said he was willing to respond to what he called "nuclear blackmail" from the West by using his country's own weapons, which could include nukes.

"If Russia feels its territorial integrity is threatened, we will use all defense methods at our disposal, and this is not a bluff," Putin said.

"Those who are trying to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the winds can also turn in their direction," Putin said.

Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Department of State for comment.