Nuclear Blackmail Continues: Russia Starts Tactical Nuclear Drills Near Ukraine Border

Russian troops are launching military exercises near Ukraine to simulate the use of tactical nuclear weapons, as Moscow again accused the West of "provocation" and threats by officials to increase aid to Ukraine, Politico reports.

Putin had announced the drills earlier this month "as a warning to the West not to escalate tensions further". 

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has made nuclear threats against the West for years since he launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, leaving tens of thousands dead and cities in ruins. Western allies have supported Ukraine with military equipment to help Kyiv repel Russia's aggression.

The servicemen participating in the exercise are practising equipping aircraft with special warheads, including Kinzhal airborne hypersonic missiles, and flying to designated patrol areas," the Kremlin said.

Unlike strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed to destroy entire cities, tactical nuclear weapons are intended for use on the battlefield.

Earlier this month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused French President Emmanuel Macron and "British representatives" of provoking Russia's nuclear escalation.

This came after British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said during a trip to Kyiv that Ukraine could strike Russia with British weapons, and Macron raised the possibility of sending Western troops to fight in Ukraine.