Russia Commences Tactical Nuclear Weapons Drills Near Ukraine

Russia has announced the initiation of tactical nuclear weapons drills near Ukraine, a move it described as a response to perceived Western threats. This development marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict, which has seen Russia repeatedly emphasize its nuclear capabilities.

The Russian Defence Ministry specified that these exercises are taking place within its Southern Military District, which includes areas Russia claims to have annexed from Ukraine. The precise locations of the drills were not disclosed.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry explained that the drills are intended to test “the readiness of personnel and equipment of non-strategic nuclear weapons combat units to respond and to unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state.” The drills are described as a reaction to “provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials.”

President Vladimir Putin had ordered these drills earlier this month following a series of Western statements regarding the conflict in Ukraine that had provoked a strong reaction in Moscow. Notably, French President Emmanuel Macron’s comments about NATO countries potentially deploying troops to Ukraine and British Foreign Minister David Cameron’s assertion that Kyiv had the right to use Western missiles against Russian territory were highlighted by Russian officials as catalysts for the drills.

Southern Military District: The Strategic Hub

The Southern Military District, headquartered in Rostov-on-Don, about 60 kilometers (40 miles) from the Ukrainian border, is the central command for Russia’s operations in Ukraine. This district also encompasses regions that Russia claims to have annexed: Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, and Zaporizhzhia.

Footage released by the Defence Ministry showed trucks transporting missiles to a field where launch systems were set up, and troops at an airfield preparing a bomber to carry a nuclear warhead. This footage depicted the initial stage of the drills, involving the loading of launch vehicles, transporting them to designated launch sites, and equipping planes with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. The ministry did not confirm whether any test firings had taken place.

Throughout the two-year offensive against Ukraine, Moscow has consistently underscored its nuclear arsenal’s readiness, hinting at the potential deployment if Russia perceives an existential threat. This posture has led Western leaders to accuse Putin of engaging in irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling.

The West’s reaction to these drills has been critical, with accusations that Russia’s actions are heightening global tensions and destabilizing the region further. Analysts and military experts are closely monitoring the situation, recognizing the significant implications of these drills on international security dynamics.

Tactical nuclear weapons, or non-strategic nuclear weapons, are designed for use on the battlefield and can be delivered via missiles. Unlike strategic nuclear weapons, which are intended for long-range deterrence, tactical nukes are meant for shorter-range combat scenarios, thus posing a different set of strategic and tactical considerations.


Information for this story was found via Inside Paper, BBC News, The New York Times, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

What Happens If Silver Finally Breaks $50? | Gary Thompson – Silver47

First Majestic Q2 Earnings: Another Record Quarter

Recommended

Emerita Resources Expands El Cura Drill Program By 10,000 Metres As Deposit Remains Open For Expansion

ESGold Signs MOU For Tailings Project In Colombia With Grades Up To 42 g/t Gold, 280 g/t Silver

Related News

US To Impose Sanctions On Russia’s Lower House, Block Gold-Related Transactions With Central Bank

The US is pushing up the ante on its sanctions against Russia related to the...

Thursday, March 24, 2022, 03:47:00 PM

Washington Prepares to Impose 200% Tariff on Russian Aluminum This Week

With the one-year anniversary of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine soon approaching, the US is...

Monday, February 6, 2023, 01:40:00 PM

Russians Ditch Ruble for Stablecoins as Sanctions Cripple Russia’s Currency

Russian citizens have been increasingly flocking to stablecoins in lieu of the ruble, as tough...

Monday, February 28, 2022, 05:10:00 PM

Arnold Schwarzenegger Addresses Russian Soldiers, Lauds Protesters, Tells Putin To “Stop This War”

“There are things that are going on in the world that are being kept from...

Thursday, March 17, 2022, 04:17:00 PM

Russian Municipal Deputies Sign Petition Calling for Vladimir Putin’s Resignation

Following what has been a detrimental week for Russia’s military across occupied regions of Ukraine,...

Monday, September 12, 2022, 05:47:40 PM