Russia announces nuclear maneuvers after tense exchange of statements with Western officials

2024-05-06 08:36:02

kyiv (AP) — Russia plans to hold exercises simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry announced Monday, a few days following the Kremlin reacted with indignation to statements by high-level Western officials regarding the war in Ukraine.

The exercises respond to “provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation,” the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

It is the first time Russia has publicly announced tactical nuclear weapons drills, although its strategic nuclear forces conduct drills regularly. Tactical nuclear weapons are lower in power than the huge warheads used by intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to destroy entire cities.

The announcement appeared to be a warning to Ukraine’s Western allies not to become further involved in the war that began more than two years ago.

French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated last week that he has not ruled out sending troops to Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Kiev forces will be able to use long-range British weapons to hit targets inside Russia. The Kremlin called these statements dangerous, increasing tensions between Russia and NATO.

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