News just in! Russia has made a sudden change to its nuclear drill scenario, moving it closer to the NATO border. This switch comes hot on the heels of joint drills with Belarus, focusing on training troops with tactical nuclear weapons.
In May, Russian President Vladimir Putin had ordered military exercises in response to what the Kremlin described as provocative threats and statements from the West.
On May 21, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the start of the drills, involving practical tests of non-strategic nukes in the Southern Military District.
The second stage of Moscow’s exercises, conducted alongside Belarusian soldiers, kicked off on Tuesday.
Recently, a message shared by a user on Telegram revealed that Russia’s newly formed Leningrad Military District, located near Finland and the Baltic States, had also joined the nuclear maneuvers. This move was in response to Finland’s NATO membership.
As part of the exercise’s second phase, members of the Leningrad Military District’s missile formation practice combat training tasks, including equipping special training ammunitions for the Iskander-M system and covert missile launch training.
The Russian Navy is also taking part, with crews preparing sea-based cruise missiles with training warheads and patrolling designated zones.
The Institute for the Study of War, a U.S. think-tank, noted in February that Putin’s military orders hinted at preparing for potential large-scale conflicts with NATO.
Leningrad Military District plays a key role in Russia’s western defense strategy and its involvement in nucleonic drills aligns with increasing tensions over Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
Amidst these developments, Russia has warned the West about potential changes to its nuclear policy, stating that its doctrine is a dynamic tool that could be modified based on global events.
Putin emphasized at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 7, the need for vigilance and readiness to adapt Russia’s nuclear strategy as circumstances evolve.