Russian dictator Putin could opt to use nukes if Ukraine liberates Kherson – expert

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“Putin will react to attempts to seize Kherson as an existential threat to Russia – as he considers that to be part of Russia already – and would be ready to use nuclear weapons,” Piontkovsky said, quoting Alexei Venediktov, former editor-in-chief, host and co-owner of recently banned Russian radio station Echo of Moscow.

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Piontkovsky suggested Venediktov is a credible source, as he is known to associate with numerous Kremlin officials.

“Venediktov couldn’t come up with that on his own – he’s too concerned with his role of a civil society representative (among the Russian elites),” said Piontkovsky.

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“Meaning, these conversations took place, further indicating their despair and madness… (Putin) has nothing left but nukes. But even if he annihilates, says, Lviv with a nuclear strike, killing a million people – what that would change in this war?”

Russia intends to stage a sham referendum in occupied Kherson Oblast, in a bid to legitimize the conquest, according to a recent assessment by UK military intelligence. Ukrainian officials suggest the process could stretch into the fall.