Putin warns nuclear weapons will eventually be used as Ukraine strikes Russian oil facilities

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned at the Valdai Forum that nuclear weapons will eventually be used, citing a Chekhovian principle that a gun introduced in a play must fire, while asserting Russia won't strike first. Ukrainian capital Kyiv descended into chaos after strikes targeted its main bridges. Putin framed Moscow's nuclear rhetoric as a defensive response to NATO threats, specifically regarding Kaliningrad, which the alliance called irresponsible. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Putin of ordering an end to wartime restrictions, increasing civilian-targeted raids, while Ukrainian forces retaliated by striking oil facilities in Samara and Volgograd regions. The New York Times reported Moscow is preparing a powerful winter attack on Ukraine's energy grid to leave cities without power. Kyiv's foreign ministry denied reports that half its F-16 fleet was grounded for maintenance, calling availability claims false, though Zelensky had earlier criticized European partners for insufficient support.