Russian Defense Ministry announces start of exercises with tactical nuclear weapons

Russian troops have begun the first stage of exercises in the Southern Military District with practical training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, the Russian Defense Ministry reported .

As part of this stage, missile units of the Southern Military District are practicing receiving ammunition for the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, as well as equipping launch vehicles and covertly moving into a positional area to prepare for missile launches, the Russian Defense Ministry clarifies.

During the exercises, the aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces, in turn, practice equipping special combat units of “aircraft weapons,” including the Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and flying to designated patrol areas, the department said in a statement.

In its statement, the Ministry of Defense once again noted that the exercises are being conducted “in response to provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials” against Russia.

• The General Staff of the Russian Ministry of Defense announced preparations for the exercises on May 6. The exercises were planned to practice “the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons” (also called tactical) in response to “provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials” against Russia. No start date was announced. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on May 20 that they would take place “at the appropriate time.”