Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga addressed a congressional hearing at the US Capitol, urging Western allies to remain steadfast in response to Russia's nuclear threats.

Sybiga described the Kremlin's renewed nuclear rhetoric as 'saber-rattling' and a form of blackmail meant to intimidate the West.

On the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin expanded the conditions under which Russia might use nuclear weapons, hinting they could target non-nuclear states supported by nuclear powers, including Ukraine.

Simultaneously, Ukraine announced its first use of US-supplied long-range missiles within Russian territory, a move Putin previously warned could be seen as NATO engaging in war with Russia.

US Defense Department spokeswoman Sabrina Singh criticized Russia's nuclear threats as reckless and noted there were no signs of an imminent nuclear strike on Ukraine.

Furthermore, she highlighted Russia's escalation by involving 11,000 North Korean soldiers in the conflict.

The European Union and the United Kingdom also condemned Russia's revised nuclear policy and hostile rhetoric.