It's 'very hard to say' whether Putin is bluffing about using nuclear weapons in Ukraine, CIA director says

The director of the CIA said that it was hard to say if Putin was bluffing or if he was ready to use nuclear weapons.

William Burns said in an interview with CBS News that the US should take any talk of nuclear weapons very seriously.

There is no evidence that there is an imminent threat of using tactical nuclear weapons.

Susan Walsh/AP

At a time of high tension in the country's invasion of Ukraine, Burns' interview was recorded before September 27.

Following the recapture of vast swathes of territory by the Ukrainians, Putin ordered the deployment of 300,000 reserve troops. He said that he would use all the means at his disposal if the country'sterritorial integrity were threatened.

He said that this is not a bluff. His comments were followed by comments from senior officials.

Russia's comments have caused alarm in the international community, with both the EU and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy questioning whether it is a bluff.

Burns said in the interview that Russia's rhetoric is irresponsible.

The US should be watching for any signs of preparing for the use of nuclear weapons, while policymakers should be telling the public the consequences of their use.

Jake Sullivan, a State Department spokesman, said last week that the US has warned Russia about the consequences of using nuclear weapons.

NATO warned Russia of consequences if it used them.

According to Burns, it's not clear if Putin can mobilize his troops effectively, who he likened tocannon fodder.

The Russian army is poorly equipped and had weak logistical support according to Burns.