Russia hasn't made preparations to use nuclear weapons yet - CIA Chief

"The nuclear saber-rattling that Vladimir Putin and some of those around him have engaged in is reckless and deeply irresponsible," Burns said.

"We obviously monitor things very carefully, but we do not see concrete immediate preparations for the use of nuclear weapons."

Burns’ comments come as concerns continue about the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), occupied by Russian forces in March 2022. Since then, the invaders have constantly interfered with the work of Ukrainian specialists at the plant.

They have consistently intimidated the planet’s personnel, engaged in kidnapping, and forced them to sign contracts to work with Russia’s nuclear operator, Rosatom.

On June 22, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia was considering committing a terrorist act at ZNPP and had "prepared everything" for it.

The chief of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, also stated that the Russians had completed preparations for a possible terrorist act. He said explosive devices have been placed near four out of six reactors, and that the cooling pond had also been mined.

On July 6, Budanov stated that Ukraine was able to reduce the threat to ZNPP through public and covert actions. He said that he believes that a threat to the NPP will persist as long as the Russians occupy it.