The Guardian: Kremlin Preparing For Crazy Steps Over AFU Counteroffensive

The West has become aware of Russia's "extreme tactics".

Russian aggressor President Vladimir Putin may resort to an escalation in response to a planned counter-offensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Leaders of Western countries are voicing such fears and preparing for the possibility that the Russian dictator may use "all the tools he has left" in response to Ukraine's active actions at the front, the British newspaper The Guardian has said.

It is not ruled out that Putin may resort to his last arguments, in particular nuclear threats and cyber attacks.

It is reminded that at the recent G7 summit of foreign ministers, UK representatives said they expected Russia to use "extreme tactics" in its attempt to hold on to Ukrainian territory.

It also points to recent bellicose statements by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who threatened to use "absolutely any weapon" if Ukraine tries to retake Crimea.

British journalists wrote: "Moscow seems to have admitted that its troops may soon find themselves on the defensive in Ukraine as Russia's own offensive has slowed down".

At the same time, G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to "strengthen, fully coordinate and enforce" sanctions against Russia, agreeing to be more coordinated to prevent evasive action and to deal with third parties supplying arms to Moscow.