Russian President Vladimir Putin orders nuclear exercises in response to conflict in Ukraine | Global News

In a bold move, President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to conduct nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops stationed near Ukraine, the defense ministry announced on Monday. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions in the region due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Putin has been increasingly vocal about the use of nuclear weapons, warning in a recent address to the nation about the “real” risk of nuclear war. The defense ministry stated that the drills will include the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles.

The exercises are set to take place “in the near future” and are aimed at safeguarding Russia’s territorial integrity against perceived threats from certain Western officials. Aircraft, naval forces, and troops from the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes occupied Ukrainian territories, will participate in the drills.

Western officials have expressed concerns over the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric during the conflict in Ukraine, with Putin frequently referencing Russia’s nuclear doctrine. Last year, Russia withdrew from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a key arms reduction agreement with the United States.

The international community will be closely monitoring the developments of these nuclear drills as tensions continue to rise in the region.