The Russian government has commenced preparations for missile exercises close to Ukraine, simulating tactical nuclear weapon usage in reaction to what it perceives as “threats” from Western authorities.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described recent remarks made by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron as a “new phase of heightened tension.”
Last week, Macron declined to rule out the potential deployment of French troops if requested by Kyiv, while Cameron asserted Ukraine’s right to utilize British armaments for strikes within Russia.
On Monday, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Cameron’s “aggressive rhetoric,” stating that it contradicted prior British pledges that the long-range missiles supplied to Ukraine would not be utilized on Russian soil, effectively implicating the UK in the conflict.
The ministry further warned that any Ukrainian strikes using British weaponry on Russian territory could prompt retaliatory actions against British military assets in Ukraine and beyond.
Additionally, the ministry criticized Macron’s suggestion of potential French troop deployment to Ukraine as indicative of a willingness for direct confrontation with Russia.
Both the British and French ambassadors to Moscow were summoned on Monday to address the situation.
The tactical nuclear weapons drills announced on Monday were reportedly ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin and are slated to occur “in the near future,” involving missile units alongside air and naval forces.
Tactical nuclear weapons are relatively small warheads and delivery systems intended for localized use, designed to neutralize enemy targets without causing widespread radioactive contamination.
Contrarily, strategic nuclear weapons are larger and intended for long-range deployment, typically between continents. Russia routinely conducts exercises involving strategic nuclear armaments.
In April, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that “several dozen” tactical nuclear weapons were stationed in his country.
While a Ukrainian military intelligence spokesperson dismissed Russia’s announcement of forthcoming drills as “nuclear blackmail,” NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah condemned the move as “dangerous and irresponsible,” emphasizing NATO’s continued vigilance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, following discussions with Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Paris, expressed hope that President Xi would aid in de-escalating Russia’s “reckless” nuclear threats.
Russia’s “saber-rattling” coincides with President Putin’s impending inauguration for a fifth presidential term.
In response, Ukraine’s foreign ministry declared it would no longer recognize Vladimir Putin as a legitimate president after his inauguration, urging other nations and international bodies to do the same.
Despite this stance, a French diplomatic source indicated that the French ambassador would attend Putin’s inauguration, while Germany and several other European countries have opted not to send their envoys.