NATO has warned the bloc's member states that Russia may conduct nuclear tests in the Black Sea, thus demonstrating its readiness to use weapons of mass destruction, The Times reported, citing a high-ranking defense source.

According to it, the North Atlantic Alliance is confident that the scenario of a test in the Black Sea is more likely than the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Although the second scenario is not ruled out, it also entails major risks, including for Russia itself; in the event of a mistake, many cities in the country could suffer, the Times said.