Exercises involve Iskander and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and are seen as warning to Ukraine’s Western allies.
Russia has initiated tactical nuclear weapons drills near the Ukraine border, involving Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. These exercises are taking place in the Southern Military District, which includes Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine. The drills aim to ensure the readiness of units and equipment for the potential combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. They are also intended to respond to perceived provocations and threats from Western officials. Footage from the exercises shows missile transport preparations and the loading of aircraft with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
Analysts suggest that these exercises serve as a strategic signal to deter NATO countries from increasing their support for Ukraine. This development follows statements from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Minister David Cameron, about the potential for greater military involvement in Ukraine. Western militaries are closely monitoring the drills to assess Russia’s capabilities and the warning time available if such weapons were deployed in an actual conflict. Tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield use, have significant destructive power, with Russia’s arsenal estimated at around 1,558 non-strategic nuclear warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists
