Reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin has put his nuclear forces on high alert represents an unnecessary and dangerous move, according to the Pentagon. Putin made the move Sunday in response to “aggressive statements” by leading NATO powers and economic sanctions by the West. The directive means Putin has ordered Russia’s nuclear weapons prepared for increased readiness to launch. Russia is under no threat from the United States and its NATO allies, and a miscalculation could be dangerous, a senior Defense Department official told reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. Meanwhile, the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said a delegation would meet with Russian officials for talks, near the Belarus border. Thomas-Greenfield expressed hope for prospective peace talks. "We'll look forward to what comes out of those discussions," she told CNN's "State of the Union." For updates, check out our live blog by clicking the link in our bio. 📸: @afpphoto