tactical nuclear weapons

Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

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Why is Russia holding nuclear exercises – and what to watch for?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. The drills will involve missile forces in the Southern Military District, alongside aviation and navy units, with Belarus also participating. The significance lies in linking the drills to current tensions, with mock warheads likely to be used in training exercises. The message is seen as nuclear signaling to deter NATO and the West from escalating the conflict in Ukraine. There is speculation about Russia’s potential use of tactical nuclear weapons defensively, rather than offensively on the battlefield.

‘Nothing unusual’ about nuclear weapons drill, says Putin

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‘Nothing unusual’ about nuclear weapons drill, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a planned military exercise involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in southern Russia and Belarus is not unusual and is part of regular training. This exercise was announced in response to perceived threats from France, Britain, and the United States. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko mentioned that this is the third such training exercise between the two countries. Russia and the United States hold the majority of the world’s nuclear warheads, with Russia having around 1,558 non-strategic nuclear warheads. There is uncertainty about the exact nature of the weapons supplied to Belarus and how they are stored. The Pentagon noted that there has been no change in Russia’s strategic nuclear forces despite the rhetoric surrounding the exercises.

Putin says there is ‘nothing unusual’ about tactical nuclear weapons drill

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Putin says there is ‘nothing unusual’ about tactical nuclear weapons drill

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a planned exercise involving the practice deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in southern Russia with Belarus is not unusual. Russia announced the nuclear exercise as a response to threats from France, Britain, and the United States. Putin mentioned that these exercises are routine and part of training. Belarus has joined Russia in similar exercises in the past, with uncertainty surrounding the nature of the nuclear weapons supplied to Belarus. The Pentagon noted that despite Moscow’s rhetoric, there has been no change in Russia’s strategic nuclear forces.

‘Tsar’ Putin tells the West: Russia will talk only on equal terms

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‘Tsar’ Putin tells the West: Russia will talk only on equal terms

Putin was honored like a Russian tsar at his swearing-in for a new six-year presidential term. He indicated that Russia is prepared for victory in Ukraine and is willing to engage in dialogue with the West, but only if there is no arrogance from the United States and its allies. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has strained relations between Russia and the West, with the West viewing Putin as an autocrat and war criminal. Despite criticism of the election process, Putin remains popular in Russia, winning 88% of the vote in the March election. The West boycotted his swearing-in ceremony, but Russian officials dismissed this as insignificant. Putin’s allies praise him for bringing stability to Russia, and there is no clear successor to him.

Russia to practice tactical nuclear weapon scenario to deter West – defense ministry

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Russia to practice tactical nuclear weapon scenario to deter West – defense ministry

Russia is holding a military exercise that includes practice for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to what they perceive as provocative threats from Western officials. The exercise, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, aims to test the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces and will involve missile formations in the Southern Military District and naval forces. The goal is to ensure Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This comes after Putin’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has caused a breakdown in relations between Russia and the West.