MOSCOW. Russia announced on Monday its intention to conduct exercises involving the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. This decision comes in response to perceived threats from Western powers, including France, Britain, and the United States, according to Moscow.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Kremlin has repeatedly cautioned about escalating nuclear risks, citing what it sees as provocations from Western nations. However, U.S. officials assert they have not observed any changes in Russia’s nuclear posture despite these warnings.

The Russian defense ministry revealed plans for military drills encompassing the preparation and deployment of non-strategic nuclear weapons, asserting that these exercises were ordered by President Vladimir Putin himself.

“During the exercise, a set of measures will be carried out to practise the issues of preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” stated the defense ministry.

Participants in the drills will include missile forces in the Southern Military District, as well as aviation and naval units. The primary objective of the exercise, according to Russian authorities, is to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in response to what it perceives as provocative statements and threats from certain Western officials.

Russia and the United States possess the largest nuclear arsenals globally, with over 10,600 of the world’s 12,100 nuclear warheads between them. The announcement of tactical nuclear drills underscores the heightened tensions between Moscow and Western powers amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

While U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Russia using nuclear weapons, reports indicate that contingency planning for a potential Russian nuclear strike against Ukraine took place in 2022.

Western and Ukrainian officials have dismissed Russia’s nuclear posturing as a bluff designed to intimidate the West. However, the Kremlin has indicated that it would not hesitate to consider nuclear options if it perceives a threat to Russia’s existence.

The latest move by Russia comes in response to remarks from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British officials, regarding potential military support for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized these statements as contributing to an unprecedented escalation of tension, warranting special attention and measures.

As tensions between Russia and the West continue to mount, Putin has framed the conflict in Ukraine as part of a broader historical struggle against Western encroachment. Meanwhile, Western leaders remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, vowing to resist Russian aggression while refraining from direct military involvement.

The announcement of nuclear drills underscores the precarious nature of the geopolitical landscape and the potential ramifications of further escalation in the ongoing crisis between Russia and the West.