By linking training with "warlike statements", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia claims that these actions pose a threat to the security of the country. President Vladimir Putin ordered the military to prepare for the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in response to statements about the threats from France, the United Kingdom and the US, which were expressed by Moscow.
As part of the planned exercises, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the participation of missile troops of the Southern Military District, Aviation and the Navy. The Southern District, located on the border with Ukraine and the main headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, will be actively involved. Belarus will also take part in the exercises.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia noted that the training was related to "warlike statements", in particular, the statement of French President Emmanuel Macron and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom David Kemeron, as well as the supply of ATACMS tactical missile systems on the US, was mentioned. Macron made a proposal for the departure of European troops to support Ukraine, and Kemeron declared the right of Ukraine to use the weapons given to London for attacks in Russia.
An important characteristic of these exercises is their direct connection with the current situation, which is a rare phenomenon for nuclear states. It is unclear how much Russia will open their world.
During the exercises, training in the "connection" of the imitators of warheads with aircraft or missiles for their transportation will be conducted. Russian armed forces have a wide range of systems that are able to deliver tactical nuclear warheads. The interest of the US and their allies in these exercises will be great, in particular, in the observation of the use of Iskander, dagger, caliber or innovator 9M729, as well as possible bombs discharged from the air.
With regard to the possible use of nuclear weapons, a high -ranking Russian source, which has been anonymously, claims that such a signal can be aimed at intimidating the West and restraining the US and their European allies from potential escalation of conflict through Ukraine.
