Russia begins nuclear drills in an apparent warning to West over Ukraine
tactical nuclear weapons that were announced by Russian authorities earlier this month in an apparent warning to senior Western officials who had spoken about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine. It was the first time Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, although its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises.
According to a statement by the Defense Ministry released Tuesday, the first stage of the new drills envisioned «practical training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,» including nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles.
The maneuvers are taking place in the Southern Military District, which consists of Russian regions in the south, including on the border with Ukraine; Crimea, illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014; and four Ukrainian regions that Russia illegally annexed in 2022 and partially occupies.
The drills were announced on May 6, with the Defense Ministry saying in a statement that they would come in response to «provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation.»
Tactical nuclear weapons include air bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery munitions and are meant for use on a battlefield. They are less powerful than the strategic weapons — massive warheads that arm intercontinental ballistic missiles and are intended to obliterate entire cities.
The announcement came after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he doesn't exclude
