Putin Orders Tactical Nuclear Drills Amid NATO Threats, Involving Non-Strategic Weapons

May 6, 2024, 11:30 AM

Russia has announced it will conduct military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from NATO and recent Western statements. The drills, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, will involve missile units, aviation, and naval forces in the Southern Military District, which includes areas near Ukraine. This move comes after NATO's significant four-month-long military exercises near Russia's borders, dubbed Steadfast Defender, and statements by Western officials regarding potential military involvement in Ukraine. Russian officials have described the exercises, which include the involvement of non-strategic nuclear weapons, as necessary to ensure national security and deter Western aggression, amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO countries. Putin personally issued the orders for these drills.