In late 2022, the United States undertook comprehensive preparations in anticipation of a potential Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine, CNN reported, citing senior US officials.
The US focused on the possibility of Russia resorting to nuclear weapons, particularly if faced with significant setbacks, as seen in Ukraine's advances towards the Russian-occupied city of Kherson.
The gravity of the situation reportedly led to urgent outreach efforts, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, General Mark Milley, and CIA Director Bill Burns engaging directly with their Russian counterparts.
