Russia Orders Nuclear Forces Exercise Amid Talks of Western Troops' Deployment in Ukraine

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced on Monday that its forces were preparing to conduct tactical nuclear weapons exercises in response to hints from the West regarding potential armed deployments into Ukraine.

"In order to increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to perform combat missions, the General Staff has initiated preparations for conducting exercises in the near future," stated the Defense Ministry in a released statement. "During the exercise, a set of measures will be carried out to practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, as directed by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation."

Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary of the Russian President, emphasized that recent deployment announcements by Western leaders, including those from Mr. Macron, British representatives, and a U.S. Senator, indicate a readiness and intention to position NATO soldiers against Russian military forces, heightening concerns about escalating tensions.

"This represents a significant escalation and warrants special attention and measures," Peskov highlighted.

Acting on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Monday morning the commencement of exercises involving missile formations aimed at enhancing the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces.

"Preparations are underway for exercises in the near future involving missile formations from the Southern Military District, along with aviation and naval forces," stated the Russian Ministry of Defense. The exercises will focus on practicing the preparation and utilization of non-strategic nuclear weapons.

"The exercise aims to ensure the preparedness of personnel and equipment within these units for the operational use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, in response to ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state amidst provocative statements and threats from certain Western officials towards the Russian Federation," the statement concluded.

President Vladimir Putin had previously placed Russia’s nuclear forces on high alert days after ordering Russian troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022.