Putin Orders Nuclear Drills Involving Navy and Troops Near Ukraine Amid Escalating Tensions
President Vladimir Putin has announced nuclear weapons drills for the Russian military involving navy and troops near Ukraine.
Putin has increased his nuclear rhetoric since the Ukraine conflict began, and these exercises will practice the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use.
The drills are scheduled to take place soon and are in response to perceived threats from Western officials.
Russia is set to conduct large-scale military exercises involving aircraft, naval forces, and troops from its Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes annexed Ukrainian territories.
Western officials are concerned about Russia's nuclear rhetoric during the offensive in Ukraine and its recent withdrawal from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and a key arms reduction agreement with the United States.