Russia has initiated training for the "use of nuclear weapons" in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to an announcement by the country's defense ministry.
In a Telegram post on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation stated: "Following the instructions of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the first stage of exercises involving practical testing for the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons has commenced in the Southern Military District, under the direction of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces."
Officials indicated that during this stage, "the personnel of the missile formations in the Southern Military District are carrying out combat training tasks, including obtaining special ammunition for the Iskander operational-tactical missile system, equipping launch vehicles with these, and covertly moving to designated positions in preparation for missile launches."
"The personnel of the aviation units of the Russian Aerospace Forces participating in the exercise are also practicing equipping aviation weapons with special warheads, including the Kinzhal aeroballistic hypersonic missiles, and flying into designated patrol areas," the announcement continued.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that this ongoing exercise is "aimed at maintaining the readiness of personnel and equipment for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative statements and threats from certain Western officials against the Russian Federation."
Non-strategic, or tactical nuclear weapons, are smaller nuclear warheads and delivery systems intended for battlefield use or limited strikes, targeting specific areas without causing extensive radioactive fallout. In contrast, strategic nuclear weapons are larger and designed for long-range use, even targeting other continents.
This announcement is the latest in a series of chilling threats from the Kremlin towards nations that have supported Ukraine with military aid since Russia's invasion began in February 2022.
Former President and close ally of Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, has repeatedly issued reckless threats to use nuclear weapons against Russia's adversaries if they interfere in support of Kyiv.
Concerns over Russia's broader ambitions have prompted various NATO nations to reassess their readiness for a wider conflict and bolster their military capabilities.
A retired general recently told The Daily Express that even the "elderly" missiles Putin's troops are using in Ukraine could hit the UK within 90 minutes, highlighting the UK's lack of defenses against such attacks.
Sir Richard Barrons estimated that missiles fired from within Russia could reach the UK in less than two hours, with a very limited error margin.
Sir Richard warned that the UK lacks the defense capabilities to counter such missile attacks, leaving the country at significant risk of major damage.
When asked if the British Armed Forces could repel a Russian missile attack, he replied, "No, of course not. The UK does not have the air and missile defense that Ukraine has, for now. We've not needed it."
He noted that while Russia has been using "elderly" missile models, they would still be fairly accurate.
Sir Richard told The Sun's World at War: "The sort of missiles that fall on Kyiv could fall on London. And Kyiv’s air defenses are way, way better. Even an older Russian cruise missile, such as the Kh-101 launched from an aircraft over western Russia, could reach London in 90 minutes with a 500-kilogram explosive warhead and an accuracy of two meters. So, pick your door in Downing Street."
Russia's Kh-101 stealth missiles are challenging to detect as they can absorb radar signals, travel up to 2,800 km, and can strike most of Europe, except Spain.
Saber rattling.
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