Russia to conduct military drills practicing tactical nuclear weapon use, says Defense Ministry
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the country’s Defense Ministry to conduct military drills focusing on the “preparation and deployment” of tactical nuclear weapons, the ministry reported on Monday.
According to the ministry, the exercises aim to “unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state” in response to “provocative statements and threats toward Russia from certain Western officials.”
The exercises are reportedly planned for “the near future.” The ministry stated that missile formations from the Southern Military District working with aerial support, as well as naval forces, will participate but did not disclose the location of the drills.
Update: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that by “provocative statements” from the West, the Russian Defense Ministry was referring to comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron and “British representatives” regarding the “readiness and even intention to send armed contingents to Ukraine, effectively placing NATO soldiers in front of Russian military personnel.” “This marks a completely new stage of escalation in tension. It is unprecedented and requires special attention and special measures,” Peskov stated.
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