Russia initiates nuclear exercises in response to potential increased involvement of the West in Ukraine | Global News

Russia’s Defense Ministry has initiated a series of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to Western officials’ comments about potential increased involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. This move marks the first time Russia has publicly announced exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons, with the strategic nuclear forces typically conducting such drills.

The drills, which include training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons like the Kinzhal and Iskander missiles, are taking place in the Southern Military District. This region borders Ukraine, Crimea (annexed by Russia in 2014), and Ukrainian territories annexed by Russia in 2022.

The Defense Ministry stated that the drills were a response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation.” This announcement follows remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron about potential military actions in Ukraine, prompting the Kremlin to label the comments as dangerous.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cited Macron’s statement and other Western officials’ remarks as the reason for the nuclear drills, describing them as “a new round of escalation.” The tension between Russia and NATO has heightened, with the possibility of deeper involvement in the conflict in Ukraine looming large.

The use of tactical nuclear weapons in these drills underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences of further escalation. As the world watches closely, the implications of these exercises on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain uncertain.