Russia announces nuclear drills in response to NATO's intention of sending troops to Ukraine
- In Reports
- 06:12 PM, May 06, 2024
- Myind Staff
Following Ukrainian drone attack that resulted in the death of six individuals and wounded over 30 in Russia's Belgorod border region, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered new nuclear weapons drills in response to Western "threats".
This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks inside Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over two years ago. The Kremlin reacted swiftly to Putin's directive, signaling heightened tensions amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
The Russian defense ministry announced that the exercises, involving the air force, navy, and troops stationed near Ukraine, would be conducted in the "near future."
The Kremlin stated that the nuclear weapons drills were initiated in response to "unprecedented" comments by Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, regarding the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine. It emphasised that the escalation necessitates "special measures."
When asked by reporters about the reason behind the drills, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, "It's obvious we are talking about statements from Mr. Macron and statements from British representatives. This is a completely new round of escalating tensions. It is unprecedented and requires special measures."
Earlier this year, in February, Putin addressed Moscow's nuclear capabilities during his annual state-of-the-nation address, announcing the deployment and testing of new hypersonic weapons.
The Russian president also issued a warning to the West, stating that Russia possesses weapons capable of striking within their territory and that their threats posed a "real" risk of nuclear war.
Since its commencement on February 24, 2022, the war in Ukraine has precipitated the most severe crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Throughout the conflict, Putin issued multiple warnings to NATO members against sending military assistance and ground troops to Ukraine, asserting that such actions would result in a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
In a statement, the Russian Defence Ministry announced that "the exercise will involve a series of activities aimed at practicing the preparation and deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons."
Non-strategic nuclear weapons, also referred to as tactical nuclear weapons, are designed for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles. Troops from the Southern Military District, which shares borders with Ukraine and encompasses the occupied Ukrainian territories, will participate in the drills, the ministry noted.
Russia has consistently cautioned that Putin's readiness to employ nuclear weapons should not be underestimated, especially after withdrawing from arms control treaties with the US.
Image source: Indian Express
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