Russia to Hold Nuclear Drills, Following Threats from Western Powers
Russia has started preparations for missile drills near Ukraine simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to threats by western officials.
The tactical nuclear weapons drills announced on Monday were ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to TASS news agency.
They were expected to take place in the near future and would involve missile formations as well as air and naval forces.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said recent statements by French President Emmanuel Macron and the British Foreign Secretary David Cameron constituted a completely new round of escalation of tension.
Last week, Mr. Macron refused to rule out potentially deploying French troops, should Kyiv request them, while Lord Cameron said that Ukraine had the right to use British weapons for strikes within Russia.
On Monday, Russia’s ministry of foreign affairs stated that lord Cameron’s hostile outburst contradicted previous British assurances that the long-range missiles sent to Ukraine would not be used on Russian territory and meant that the UK was a party to the conflict.
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It also said that Mr. Macron’s statement on possible deployment of French troops to Ukraine could be considered as readiness for direct confrontation with Russia.
A Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman dismissed the announcement that drills would take place, calling it nuclear blackmail.
But Nato spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said it was dangerous and irresponsible and stated that Nato remained vigilant.
Following a meeting in Paris with Mr Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that she hoped President Xi would help de-escalate Russia’s irresponsible nuclear threats.
Russia’s sabre-rattling come on the eve of President Vladimir Putin’s inauguration for a fifth presidential term.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry has said it will no longer regard Vladimir Putin as a legitimate president after his inauguration and has urged other countries and international organisations to follow suit.
However, a French diplomatic source quoted by Reuters said the French ambassador would attend the ceremony.
Germany and several other European countries have ruled out sending their envoys.
