Russia to ramp up nuclear drills amid tensions with the West
In response to what it views as provocative statements and threats from Western nations, Russia has announced plans to conduct military exercises that will include scenarios for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, according to an announcement by the Russian Defense Ministry on Monday.
8:24 AM EDT, May 6, 2024
The ministry shared via a Telegram message that the drills will be carried out by order of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Vladimir Putin. The exercises involve units from the Southern Military District's missile forces and forces from the Air Force and Navy. It was particularly highlighted that the exercises aim to simulate both the planning and execution phases for the deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons.
Russia Prepares for Defensive Exercises
Moscow officials have stressed that these exercises aim to bolster efforts to secure national territorial integrity and sovereignty.
As reported by Reuters, the ministry's statement seems to indicate that the upcoming exercises will focus on the operational use of tactical nuclear missiles, which are capable of delivering a nuclear strike up to approximately 310 miles away.
On April 12, the Kremlin showcased the successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The defense ministry revealed that the missile was launched from the Kapustin Yar testing facility, situated in the Astrakhan region within the European segment of Russia.
Starting in 2023, Russia intends to double the frequency of its intercontinental ballistic missile tests, increasing from four to eight launches yearly. Reuters reported this expansion in December 2022, citing statements from Sergei Karakayev, the commander of the Russian Strategic Missile Forces.
