“During the exercise, measures will be taken to practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
After launching the war in Ukraine, Putin has stepped up his nuclear rhetoric, warning the nation in a February address that the danger of nuclear war is “real.”
Non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, can be used on the battlefield and can be carried by missiles.
The ministry said the exercises would take place “in the near future” and that their purpose was to guarantee Russia’s territorial integrity “in the face of threats from some Western officials.”
Air and naval forces, as well as soldiers of the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes the occupied territories of Ukraine, will take part in the exercise.
The Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric during the ongoing war in Ukraine causes increasing concern among Western officials, and V. Putin often refers to Russia’s nuclear doctrine.
Last year, Russia refused to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and pulled out of a major arms reduction treaty with the United States.
Experts said at the time that when it came to Ukraine, Russia would likely have a higher bar for using tactical nuclear weapons because Ukraine does not have its own nuclear capabilities or the ability to launch an invasion on the same scale as the United States or China. In addition, a nuclear strike on Ukraine would likely lead to an escalation of the conflict and direct intervention by the US or Britain, “which is the last thing Putin wants.”
Tags: Putin ordered nuclear drills involving troops stationed Ukraine
