The warning comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked increasingly dangerous tensions between Moscow and NATO, with the US and UK warning that Putin could use chemical weapons in the conflict

"The scenario of Putin resorting to nuclear options is plausible, given the current trajectory of the conflict," Wisner stated during an interview with The Sun. He reflected on the catastrophic implications of even limited nuclear warfare, emphasizing the immense pain it would inflict not only on Russia but also on the global community.

Vladimir Putin has been threatened by leaders of Muslim regions within Russia who have allegedly warned him that jihadists could cause chaos in the country.