Russia Announces Nuclear Weapons Drills Amid Growing Tensions With Ukraine and the West: Experts Warn of Catastrophic Consequences

Russian Defense Ministry announced on Telegram that it will conduct exercises involving the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. These maneuvers were ordered by President Vladimir Putin and will involve the army, aviation, navy, and forces of the Southern Military District, which is close to Ukraine and covers regions claimed by Russia. This is the first time Russia has publicly announced tactical nuclear weapons drills, although strategic nuclear forces have regular maneuvers.

Recent statements by Western leaders have put Russia on alert. French President Emmanuel Macron did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine, while British Prime Minister David Cameron stated that British weapons could be used by Ukrainian forces against targets in Russia. In response, Russia warned the UK that it would target its military bases inside and outside Ukraine if its weapons were used. The Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that these statements led Russia to announce the nuclear maneuvers.

The use of tactical nuclear weapons in a conflict poses a significant threat and could lead to further escalation. Russia has a large stockpile of non-strategic nuclear warheads, and these weapons are designed for battlefield use in limited scenarios. However, the use of any nuclear weapon, whether tactical or strategic, could trigger a dangerous nuclear escalation.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) has warned that military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons are reckless and dangerous. These maneuvers increase the risk of nuclear conflict and could lead to global catastrophe. The current war context in Ukraine heightens the danger of a nuclear confrontation as any use of nuclear weapons could result in devastating retaliation.

Overall, the announcement of nuclear maneuvers by Russia has raised concerns among Western leaders and international organizations alike. The use of tactical nuclear weapons in a conflict would have severe consequences and could lead to a dangerous escalation with uncertain outcomes