A retired British Army general has warned that Vladimir Putin could launch “tactical nuclear weapons” if he believes he is losing the war in Ukraine.

Sir Richard Barrons, the former Commander Joint Forces Command from April 2013 until his retirement in April 2016 warned that it is likely nuclear weapons will be used if the Kremlin fears they are losing the war.

Sir Richard said, “It would be the first use of nuclear weapons for 77-years, breaking an enormous taboo, but this is not inconceivable to Russians if the ends justify it in their eyes.

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“A broader Ukrainian offensive and mobilisation expected as soon as next spring could lead to battlefield successes and the liberation of land seized by Russia.

“This might create other risks.

“If Putin senses defeat, will he be tempted to use tactical nuclear weapons to change the reality on the battlefield?”

Sir Richard added that Putin could potentially “employ tactical nuclear weapons” if he thinks progress has stagnated in Ukraine, which it almost has according to many reports.

The Russian President has underestimated his war in Ukraine and has alienated himself from his military generals, Kremlin officials and the intelligence services.

Sir Richard added, “Even the smaller weapons used can cause atrocities and that’s not even considering the major geopolitical issues that could arise from Russia’s usage of weapons of mass destruction for the first time in 77-years.”