Thursday, May 8, 2025

Latest

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.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Endeavour Mining Q1 Earnings: Cash Flow Is King

G Mining Oko West Feasibility: Move Fast, Break.. Nothing?

New Gold Q1 Earnings: What’s Behind The Market’s Surprising Reaction?

Recommended

Brazil Potash Secures Funding In Support Of US$2.5 Billion Autozales Project

Giant Mining Encounters Native Copper As Hole MHB-34 Hits 563 Metres Depth

Related News

German Official Wants Nord Stream 1 Repaired in Case of Potential Energy Shortages

The Minister-President of the German state Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, is calling for urgent repairs to...

Tuesday, August 29, 2023, 07:32:00 AM

US, Ukraine Finalize Minerals Agreement After Extended Negotiations

Officials from the United States and Ukraine formalized a bilateral agreement Wednesday establishing a joint...

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 12:57:00 PM

Transnistria Calls on Russia For Aid Amid Economic Pressure from Moldova

Transnistria, a breakaway republic from Moldova, has officially reached out to Russia for assistance amid...

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 11:04:00 AM

Biden Administration Bans Russian Energy Imports, Warns of Surging Fuel Prices

President Joe Biden announced the US will be banning all exports of Russian oil and...

Wednesday, March 9, 2022, 11:29:00 AM

Putin’s Latest Test Launch of Satan II Missile May Have Failed, Reports Say

Russia’s planned test of a nuclear-capable ballistic missile might have failed at launch, according to...

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 07:34:36 AM