Russian forces recently practiced deploying electronically-launched missiles as part of tactical nuclear weapons drills, according to Moscow’s Defense Ministry. The drills came in response to what the Kremlin called “provocative statements and threats” from Western countries supporting Ukraine.
During the exercises, Russian troops conducted combat tasks for covertly moving and launched electronic missiles against target simulations, the Russian military stated. Moscow shared video footage of the drills on land and at sea.
In the second wave of exercises, Belarus was the focus as it hosts Russian tactical nuclear weapons. Moscow announced the completion of delivering tactical nuclear arms to Belarus, a key ally, in 2023. Tactical nukes are designed for battlefield use, being less destructive but more potent than strategic nuclear arms.
Russian state media initially reported on these drills in early May, attributing them to the perceived threats from Western officials. Tensions between Russia and Western nations have escalated in recent years, especially with concerns over the conflict in Ukraine reigniting nuclear weapon discussions.
Russian officials and media have openly discussed the possibility of nuclear warfare, with some suggesting Moscow could launch nuclear strikes against countries like the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine. The United Nations Secretary General raised concerns about the re-emergence of nuclear conflict debates in 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently stated that Russia would consider all options to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, hinting at the country’s nuclear capabilities. While only a few NATO countries possess nuclear weapons, some European bases house tactical U.S. nuclear arms as part of NATO’s nuclear sharing policy.
In April, Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed willingness to host U.S. nuclear weapons under NATO’s nuclear sharing policy.