President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to conduct nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops stationed near Ukraine, as announced by the defense ministry on Monday.
These drills come amidst heightened tensions surrounding the Ukraine conflict, with Putin amplifying his nuclear rhetoric.
In his address to the nation in February, he warned of a “real” risk of nuclear war.
The defense ministry stated that the exercises would involve practicing the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.
Non-strategic nuclear weapons, also referred to as tactical nuclear weapons, are designed for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles.
Scheduled to take place “in the near future,” the drills are intended to bolster Russia’s territorial integrity in response to perceived threats from certain Western officials.
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The exercises will involve aircraft, naval forces, and troops from the Southern Military District, which shares a border with Ukraine and encompasses the occupied Ukrainian territories.
Western officials have expressed growing concerns over the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric, particularly amidst the ongoing offensive in Ukraine.
Putin has frequently referenced Russia’s nuclear doctrine, contributing to heightened international tensions.
Russia’s actions in recent years, including its withdrawal from key arms reduction agreements with the United States and its abandonment of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, have further fueled apprehension among Western nations regarding its nuclear capabilities and intentions.
