President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s military to test its readiness to use tactical nuclear weapons—a step the Kremlin said was a response to recent comments by Western officials, including warnings that European powers could do more to help Ukraine in its fight with Moscow.
Russia said yesterday it would practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons as part of a military exercise after what the Moscow said were threats from France, Britain and the United States.
Since Russia lunched the so-called “special military exercise” in Ukraine in late February 2022, Russia has repeatedly warned of rising nuclear risks – warnings which the United States says it has to take seriously though U.S. officials say they have seen no change in Russia's nuclear posture.
Russian state-run news agency TASS, citing the Defense ministry, says the army will carry out exercises in southern Russia to “practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.”
The drills involving air and naval forces are reportedly being held in response to “provocative statements and threats made by certain Western officials.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later on Monday linked the drills with what he described as Western announcements to send troops to Ukraine.
Western media reports say both the United States and the European Union have denounced Russia's announcement of tactical nuclear readiness drills as “irresponsible” given current heightened tensions.
