Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the Russian military to conduct drills involving nuclear weapons, as announced by the defense ministry on Monday. These drills are set to involve the navy and troops stationed close to Ukraine.
Putin’s recent rhetoric around nuclear capabilities has escalated since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. In February, he cautioned the nation about the “real” risk of nuclear war, indicating a heightened level of tension.
The defense ministry stated that these exercises will specifically focus on the preparation and potential use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. These weapons, also referred to as tactical nuclear weapons, are specifically designed for battlefield use and can be deployed via missiles.
The exercises are scheduled to occur “in the near future” and are primarily aimed at safeguarding Russia’s territorial integrity in response to perceived threats from certain Western officials, according to the ministry’s statement.
The drills will involve participation from aircraft and naval forces, along with troops from the Southern Military District, which shares borders with Ukraine and encompasses the occupied Ukrainian territories.
Western officials have expressed growing alarm over the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric, particularly amidst the ongoing offensive in Ukraine. Putin has frequently referenced Russia’s nuclear doctrine, adding to international concerns.
Russia’s actions also include significant diplomatic moves such as abandoning its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty last year and withdrawing from a key arms reduction agreement with the United States.
This development underscores the heightened tensions in the region and raises serious concerns about the potential escalation of conflict, further deepening the international community’s unease about the situation in Ukraine and its broader implications.
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