In a move that has raised eyebrows internationally, Russia and its close ally Belarus have embarked on the second stage of their joint military exercises focused on tactical nuclear weapons deployment. These drills are a stark signal from the Kremlin, emphasizing its preparedness to respond to perceived Western provocations and support for Ukraine.
The commencement of the second phase was announced after the Russian Defense Ministry declared last month that these maneuvers were a direct answer to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s openness to troop deployment in Ukraine and the U.S. green light for Kyiv to target Russian assets with Western-supplied weapons have particularly drawn ire from Moscow.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov conveyed the importance of these drills for combat readiness in light of “hostile decisions and actions” by the U.S. and European allies, who have been delivering “daily provocations.” This sentiment is mirrored by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, who deemed the exercises a necessary reaction to “Western support of the Kyiv regime” and NATO’s active military involvement in Ukraine.
The second phase of the drills, which began on Tuesday, includes joint training with Belarusian forces in the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons intended for combat scenarios. It is purposed for maintaining the readiness of personnel and equipment, ensuring the “sovereignty and territorial integrity” of the Russia-Belarus alliance. The first stage last month involved preparation for nuclear missions and deployment for launches, with Russia conducting individual training prior to the joint activities.
Belarus has played a significant role by hosting Russian tactical nuclear weapons, a strategic decision that aligns with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko’s support for Russia and reliance on its military partnership. The drills also come at a sensitive time, just days before a Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland, from which Russia was notably excluded.
President Vladimir Putin has been vocal about Russia’s nuclear capability, warning the West not to assume that Russia would never employ its atomic arsenal. His statements point to the nation’s nuclear doctrine, which allows for the use of nuclear weapons in the event of a threat to Russia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, Putin has clarified that the current situation does not warrant nuclear weapon use against Ukraine.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has hinted at possible modifications to the nuclear doctrine due to escalating tensions and “unacceptable escalatory actions by the U.S. and its NATO allies.”
Relevant articles:
– Russia, Belarus launch a second stage of drills to train troops in tactical nuclear weapons , ABC News, 06/11/2024
– Russia and Belarus kick off second phase of nuclear weapon drills, Yahoo New Zealand News, 06/11/2024
Glad you enjoyed above story, be sure to follow TrendyDigests on Microsoft Start.