Russia begins military exercises in response to Western tensions
Russian forces have begun military exercises near Ukraine, simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to what Moscow perceives as threats from Western officials about greater involvement in the conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered these exercises as a warning measure to the West not to escalate tensions further. The Kremlin has expressed displeasure with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron over their statements about the possible sending of European troops to Ukraine and the use of weapons supplied by London to target places in Russia.
Location of military exercises
These exercises are taking place in Russia’s southern military district, based in Rostov-on-Don, which borders Ukraine and includes parts of the country that Russia occupies. The Russian Defense Ministry has highlighted that this is the first stage of the exercises, which involve practicing loading launch vehicles, driving to launch sites and loading aircraft with Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
Russian tactical nuclear weapons
Russia possesses numerous weapons systems capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads, designed for use on the battlefield. Unlike strategic weapons, tactical weapons have not been subject to arms control agreements between Russia and the United States, and Russia has not revealed details about their number or characteristics.
President Putin has reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to use all necessary means to defend the country, including the nuclear arsenal. Although he has appeared to tone down his rhetoric in the past, he has recently warned NATO countries about the risk of provoking a nuclear war if they deploy troops to Ukraine.