Russia begins first public nuclear exercise

The Russian Defense Ministry has released footage showing trucks carrying missiles to a prepared launch site and troops at an airfield preparing bombers carrying nuclear warheads.

The image was released alongside a Russian Defense Ministry announcement of the start of exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons. It is the first time Moscow has publicly announced such a nuclear exercise, although Russia's strategic nuclear forces regularly hold drills, AP reported.

The latest exercises are taking place in Russia's Southern Military District, based in Rostov-on-Don, just 60km from the border with Ukraine. However, the Russian Defense Ministry has not revealed whether any test firings have taken place.

The first stage of the new drills includes “realistic training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” including nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles, according to a statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry on May 21.

Tactical nuclear weapons, also known as non-strategic nuclear weapons, include aircraft bombs, warheads for short-range missiles and artillery shells, and are used on the battlefield. They have a smaller destructive power than strategic nuclear weapons – the giant warheads that carry intercontinental ballistic missiles and are intended to wipe out an entire city.

Russian soldiers take part in the first stage of tactical nuclear weapons exercises, at an undisclosed location in the country's Southern Military District, May 21, 2024. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry

The Russian Defense Ministry announced the exercise more than two weeks ago, on May 6. According to a statement from the ministry at the time, the exercise would take place in response to “provocative statements and threats by some Western officials regarding the Russian Federation.”

The exercise is designed to test “the readiness of personnel and equipment of non-strategic nuclear weapons combat units to respond and unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state,” the statement said.

This is “a response to provocative statements and threats by some Western officials,” the statement added.

The statement came after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he did not rule out sending troops to Ukraine and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Kiev forces could use British long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. The Kremlin called those comments dangerous, adding to tensions between Russia and NATO.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 6 that Mr. Macron's statement and other comments by British and American officials had prompted the nuclear exercises, calling the remarks “a new escalation . ”

Minh Duc (According to AP, Guardian, TRT World)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/nga-bat-dau-cuoc-tap-tran-hat-nhan-cong-khai-dau-tien-a664704.html