Russia Conducts Tactical Nuclear Weapon Drills Amid Rising Tensions with West

Russia's Defense Ministry announced plans to hold military exercises simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, a first-time public announcement of such drills. The exercises are in response to Western and NATO-member countries' statements about sending troops into Ukraine. The Kremlin stated that the drills aim to ensure Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. The exercises will include practice for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, which can be used in battlefield situations. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to rehearse deploying these weapons. Some articles mention that the drills are a response to Western "threats," while others state that they are a reaction to comments from Western officials about sending troops to Ukraine. NATO has called Russia's announcement "irresponsible" and will hold its own military exercises with troops based near Ukraine.