Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to conduct nuclear weapons drills near Ukraine, according to a statement from the defence ministry released on Monday.
The announcement comes amidst heightened rhetoric from Putin regarding the potential for nuclear conflict. In a national address in February, Putin warned of the “real” risk of nuclear war, signaling a shift in Russia’s stance towards the use of nuclear weapons.
The defence ministry stated that the drills would involve the navy and troops stationed in close proximity to Ukraine. Specifically, the exercises will focus on the preparation and deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, which are intended for battlefield use and can be delivered via missiles.
Scheduled to take place “in the near future,” the drills aim to ensure Russia’s territorial integrity in response to perceived threats from Western officials, the ministry reported. Participating in the exercises will be aircraft, naval forces, and troops from the Southern Military District, which shares a border with Ukraine and includes territories occupied by Russian forces.
The Kremlin’s heightened nuclear rhetoric has raised concerns among Western officials, particularly in light of Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine. Putin has frequently referenced Russia’s nuclear doctrine, adding to international unease.
Furthermore, Russia’s recent actions have included steps to withdraw from international nuclear agreements. Last year, Russia abandoned its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and withdrew from a crucial arms reduction agreement with the United States.
