Following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed the forces to conduct tactical nuclear weapon exercises in response to what he termed as threats from the West. It is worth to be noted that on Monday it marked the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, which was hinted at by President Putin.🚨Update: Nuclear weapons drills a response to NATO escalation – KremlinTactical nuclear weapons wargames are a response to “unprecedented” escalation sparked by statements of NATO members, the Kremlin has said!! pic.twitter.com/7tXOtaqOgd— US Civil Defense News (@CaptCoronado) May 6, 2024According to Russias defense ministry, the exercises will encompass preparations and deployment scenarios involving non-strategic nuclear weapons. The announcement was made as Russian forces claimed to have taken control of two villages in the eastern Ukrainian war-torn districts of Donetsk and Kharkiv, where Ukrainian troops were outnumbered and outgunned and were struggling to hold the line.Meanwhile, Russian officials in the Belgorod border region said that over thirty individuals, including numerous children had been injured by Ukrainian drones attack, resulting in six fatalities.Decision to conduct drillsThe decision to conduct drills has been followed by the defense ministry terming it proactive statements and threats from the West, which Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized as reaching unprecedented levels.It is worth to be noted that the reports of Vladimir Putin ordering tactical nuclear weapons drills amid perceived Western threats arent unprecedented. The geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly NATO countries, have been ongoing for years. These tensions often manifest in military exercises and displays of strength from both sides. However, Putins decision to conduct such drills could be seen as a response to several factors:Russia may perceive actions or statements from Western countries, particularly NATO members, as threatening. This could include NATOs expansion eastward, military exercises near Russian borders, or geopolitical moves perceived as encroaching on Russian interests.Apart from this internal politics could be one of the other reasons as leaders sometimes use military maneuvers to bolster domestic support or project strength on the international stage. Putins decision could be influenced by domestic political considerations, especially given Russias complex political landscape.Demonstrating readiness and capability, including with nuclear weapons, is a common strategy for deterrence. By showcasing Russias military prowess, Putin might seek to dissuade potential adversaries from taking actions deemed harmful to Russian interests.
