Russia has declared plans to conduct drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons amidst escalating tensions following remarks by senior Western officials hinting at deeper involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The announcement was made ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's fifth-term inauguration and during the week leading up to Victory Day, a significant holiday commemorating Russia's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

These drills are a response to what the Defense Ministry termed as "provocative statements and threats" from certain Western officials regarding Russia. It marks the first public announcement of drills involving tactical nuclear weapons by Russia, distinct from its routine exercises with strategic nuclear forces. Tactical nuclear weapons, such as air bombs and short-range missile warheads, are designed for battlefield use and are less powerful than those used in intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Russian announcement serves as a caution to Ukraine's Western allies against deepening their involvement in the two-year-old conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron recently reiterated the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine, while UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron mentioned the provision of British long-range weapons to Kyiv's forces. Such remarks have been deemed as dangerous by the Kremlin, escalating tensions between Russia and NATO.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled these statements as a "new round of escalation," prompting the need for "special measures." Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, warned that such rhetoric could lead to a "global catastrophe."

This isn't the first instance of Europe's military support for Ukraine triggering nuclear tensions. In 2023, Putin announced plans to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus following the UK's decision to supply Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

The upcoming drills, ordered by Putin, aim to enhance the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces and will involve missile units from the Southern Military District, as well as the air force and navy.

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