• The drills aim to practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.
• These weapons are designed for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles.
• Western officials are increasingly alarmed by the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric during the Ukraine offensive.

The Russian defense ministry announced on Monday that President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to conduct nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops stationed near Ukraine. Putin has intensified his nuclear rhetoric since the Ukraine conflict began, cautioning in his address to the nation in February about the “real” risk of nuclear war.

“During the exercise, a set of measures will be taken to practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” the defense ministry said.

Tactical nuclear weapons, also known as non-strategic nuclear weapons, are designed for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles.

The ministry stated that the exercises, aimed at ensuring Russia’s territorial integrity in response to “threats by certain Western officials,” would take place “in the near future.”

Aircraft and naval forces, as well as troops from the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes the occupied Ukrainian territories, will take part, according to the statement.

Western officials have become increasingly alarmed by the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric during the offensive in Ukraine, with Putin frequently invoking Russia’s nuclear doctrine.

Last year, Russia canceled its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and withdrew from a key arms reduction agreement with the United States.

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