Russia to Hold Drills on Tactical Nuclear Weapons in New Tensions With West

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Russia's announcement of military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons near Ukraine, in response to comments from the West about the possibility of more direct involvement in the war in Ukraine. The exercise is seen as a provocative warning from Russia to discourage the West from deepening its support for Ukraine.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Russia's Announcement of Nuclear Weapon Exercises

1. What is the purpose of Russia's announced military exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons?

• The exercises are intended as a provocative warning to discourage the West from deepening its support for Ukraine in the war.
• Russia claims the exercises are in response to comments from the West about the possibility of more direct involvement in the Ukraine war.
• The exercises will involve forces of the Southern Military District, which covers Russian-occupied Ukraine and part of Russia's border region with Ukraine.

2. What is the significance of Russia's announcement of these nuclear weapon exercises?

• The announcement is Russia's most explicit warning so far in its invasion of Ukraine that it could use tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict.
• The exercises ratchet up tensions with the West at the start of a week of extensive publicity for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• The announcement coincides with a visit to Europe by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has pledged a "no limits" alliance with Russia.

3. How have NATO and the West responded to Russia's announcement?

• NATO has called Russia's announcement "irresponsible."
• The West has persistently lobbied China to refrain from aiding Russia's war effort, despite China providing support to Russia's military industry.

[02] Tactical Nuclear Weapons

1. What are tactical nuclear weapons and how do they differ from strategic nuclear weapons?

• Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for battlefield use and have smaller warheads than strategic nuclear weapons, which are meant to target cities.
• Strategic nuclear weapons are "designed for the mass destruction of cities and industrial centers."