Russia to hold simulated nuclear weapon exercises after heated Ukraine remarks
Russia announced Monday it will hold military exercises that simulate the use of nuclear weapons after some Western officials suggested there could be more involvement in the war in Ukraine.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said it will hold military drills practicing the use of tactical nuclear weapons, The Associated Press reported. The announcement comes one day before Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration ceremony for his fifth term in office.
The Defense Ministry said in a statement the military exercises are in response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation,” according to the AP.
The news service noted this is the first time Russia announced military drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, which can include air bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery munitions. Tactical nuclear weapons are different and not as powerful as strategic nuclear weapons, which include warheads for intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, said recent statements from French and U.K. officials prompted the start of the nuclear drills, the AP reported.
“It’s a new round of escalation,” Peskov said. “It’s unprecedented and requires special attention and special measures."
Peskov previously denounced the recent statements made by French President Emmanuel Macron and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron as “dangerous.” Macron did not rule out the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine in a recent interview, while Cameron recently said Ukraine could use British long-range missiles to hit Russian targets, according to AP.
Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, also confirmed on the social platform X that Russia will conduct the drills, again citing statements from Western officials.
“And this is why today the General Staff has started preparations for the military exercise that includes drills of preparation and use of nonstrategic nuclear weapons,” he wrote on X.
The Associated Press contributed.
Date: | |
Tag: | Ukraine |
Filter
-
Stefanik to slam Biden's weapons hold in remarks before Israel's government
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) in an address before Israel's Parliament Sunday is expected to denounce President Biden's pause on weapons supply to the country, as it continues its military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Her remarks ...The Hill - Politics - Joe Biden -
Russia launched a satellite into space in February 2022 that is designed to test components for a potential antisatellite weapon that would carry a nuclear device, U.S. officials said.
Russia launched a satellite into space in February 2022 that is designed to test components for a potential antisatellite weapon that would carry a nuclear device, U.S. officials said.The Wall Street Journal - World - Russia -
Chargers mock Chiefs kicker after remarks about women giving up careers
The Los Angeles Chargers took a swipe at Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, who is facing backlash over recent comments in which he suggested women prioritize being a homemaker over pursuing a career. Shortly after the NFL released its ...The Hill - Politics - NFL -
Russia and Ukraine: two economies at war
Government reshuffle underlines Putin’s militarisation effort as Kyiv fights on with western supportFinancial Times - World - Ukraine
More from The Hill
-
Why Biden's China tariffs could hurt his climate agenda
As President Biden strives to prove his pro-manufacturing and anti-China credentials ahead of his likely election rematch with former President Trump, his far-reaching climate agenda could pay a price. Biden this past week hiked tariffs on ...The Hill - Politics -
Marijuana rescheduling moves businesses into ‘uncharted territory’
Marijuana business owners hoping to benefit from the Biden administration’s move to reschedule the drug may be in for disappointment, according to experts. The administration announced plans Thursday to move forward with a rule that would ...The Hill - Politics -
Biden’s Morehouse speech exposes his 2024 political problems
President Biden will set foot on a college campus Sunday for the first time since universities around the country became hotbeds for protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Biden is delivering a commencement speech at Morehouse College, an ...The Hill - Politics - Joe Biden -
Trump’s hush money defense in question as criminal trial nears close
Questions are flying about whether Donald Trump will put up a defense in his historic hush money criminal trial as the Manhattan district attorney’s office winds down its case-in-chief this week. The former president’s attorneys, it seems, don’t ...The Hill - Politics - Donald Trump -
Frustration with Netanyahu boils over on plans for Gaza after Hamas
Frustration is growing in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the war against Hamas and his growing split with President Biden, raising fears that the public tensions could invite increased attacks from Iran and its proxies ...The Hill - Politics - Israel