Putin has ordered military drills to practice deploying tactical nuclear weapons

 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered military drills to practice deploying tactical nuclear weapons, citing "threats" from the West. This move has raised concerns globally, as it marks the first time Russia has publicly announced such drills since invading Ukraine in 2022. Putin has previously made veiled threats to use tactical nuclear weapons against the West, but this announcement takes it to a new level.

The drills, announced by Russia's defense ministry, will involve practicing the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons. These weapons are designed for use in battlefield situations and have less power than strategic nuclear weapons, which can level entire cities.

The announcement comes after Western officials, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, made statements that Russia saw as provocative. Macron refused to rule out sending Western troops to Ukraine, while Cameron said Ukraine could use British-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Russia has a history of raising the nuclear specter when its invasion of Ukraine faces obstacles or when other countries make new pledges of support for Ukraine. After Ukraine liberated large areas of its territory in late 2022, Putin warned of the "increasing" threat of nuclear war.

The US has downplayed concerns that Putin could deploy a nuclear weapon, but continues to take the threats seriously. In response to Russia's latest announcement, the US said it had seen no change in Russia's "strategic force posture" and called the move "completely inappropriate" and "irresponsible rhetoric."

The drills have sparked fears of a potential nuclear conflict, with some experts warning that the use of tactical nuclear weapons could lead to a wider nuclear war. The international community is urging restraint and diplomacy to avoid catastrophic consequences.

In addition to the drills, Russia has also suspended participation in the New START treaty, a key nuclear arms reduction agreement with the US. Putin has warned that Russia would not be the first to test nuclear weapons, but would do so in the event of a US test.

The situation highlights the escalating tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine, and the need for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a nuclear conflict. The international community must work together to reduce tensions and promote disarmament, to avoid the devastating consequences of nuclear war.