Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed Russian forces to engage in exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons, citing perceived "threats" from the West, CNN reports. This marks Russia's first public declaration of such drills following its incursion into Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will center on readiness and deployment plans for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with less destructive power compared to strategic nuclear arms.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has hinted at the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons against Western countries. However, Monday's announcement represents the first public acknowledgment of such drills by Russia.

As stated by Russia's defense ministry, the exercises will cover readiness and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons.

Tactical nuclear weapons, unlike their strategic counterparts, are intended for use on the battlefield and possess lower destructive capabilities, according to the report.

The decision to conduct these drills follows what the defense ministry describes as "provocative statements and threats" from Western officials, which Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described as reaching "unprecedented levels."

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent interview with The Economist magazine, reiterated the potential deployment of Western troops to Ukraine, highlighting the threat Russia poses to European security.

Similarly, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, during a visit to Ukraine, emphasized Ukraine's right to defend itself using weapons supplied by the UK, condemning Russia's unlawful invasion.

The announcement of the drills comes amidst the passage of a long-awaited aid package by the United States for Kyiv, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities against renewed Russian aggression.

Russian forces have made significant territorial gains along Ukraine's eastern front in recent months, leveraging their manpower and ammunition advantage before the arrival of US aid.

Putin's use of nuclear rhetoric often coincides with challenges to Russia's military objectives or increased international support for Ukraine.

After Ukraine regained substantial territories in late 2022, Putin acknowledged the protracted nature of the conflict and highlighted the growing threat of nuclear war.

In February of the same year, Putin declared Russia's suspension of the New START treaty, citing the possibility of US nuclear testing as justification, according to CNN.

While US President Joe Biden and State Department officials have sought to downplay concerns regarding Putin's nuclear threats, they remain vigilant in monitoring Russian actions.

In response to Russia's latest announcement, the Pentagon stressed that there has been no apparent change in Russia's strategic force posture.

Maj Gen Patrick Ryder labeled Russia's decision as "completely inappropriate" and reflective of Russia's history of irresponsible rhetoric.

Reports suggest that the US has been actively preparing for the possibility of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine since late 2022.

In the latest announcement, Russia's defense ministry disclosed plans for upcoming exercises involving missile formations from the Southern Military District, incorporating aviation and naval forces.

As tensions between Russia and the West continue to escalate, the international community remains on edge, aware of the potential consequences of Putin's aggressive stance and nuclear brinkmanship, the report concludes.

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