Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct tactical nuclear weapons exercises in response to what he perceives as “threats” from the West, as reported by CNN. This decision, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, marks the first public announcement of such drills.
The exercises, according to Russia’s defense ministry, will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios involving non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use and have lower destructive capabilities compared to strategic nuclear weapons.
The move comes in response to what the defense ministry describes as “provocative statements and threats” from Western officials, which Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized as reaching “unprecedented levels.” French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested the deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, highlighting the threat Russia poses to European security. Similarly, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron emphasized Ukraine’s right to defend itself using weapons supplied by the UK, condemning Russia’s actions.
The announcement of the drills coincides with the passage of a long-awaited aid package by the United States for Kyiv, aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities against renewed Russian aggression. Russian forces have made significant territorial gains along Ukraine’s eastern front in recent months, exploiting their manpower and ammunition advantage before the arrival of US aid.
Putin’s use of nuclear rhetoric often corresponds with challenges to Russia’s military objectives or increased international support for Ukraine. For instance, after Ukraine regained substantial territories in late 2022, Putin acknowledged the protracted nature of the conflict and highlighted the growing threat of nuclear war.
While US President Joe Biden and State Department officials have sought to downplay concerns regarding Putin’s nuclear threats, they remain vigilant in monitoring Russian actions. The Pentagon emphasized that there has been no discernible shift in Russia’s strategic force posture and criticized Russia’s decision as “completely inappropriate.”
Reports indicate that the US has been actively preparing for the possibility of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine since late 2022. In the latest announcement, Russia’s defense ministry revealed plans for upcoming exercises involving missile formations from the Southern Military District, incorporating aviation and naval forces.
As tensions between Russia and the West escalate, the international community remains wary of the potential consequences of Putin’s aggressive stance and nuclear brinkmanship, according to CNN.