Russia kicked off the first phase of the exercises with practical tests on the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. This was announced by the Moscow Ministry of Defense. As part of the exercises, the missile formations of the Southern Military District are finalizing preparations for the launch of the missiles of the Iskander tactical-operational system. The personnel of the air units of the Russian Aerospace Forces will equip the aircraft with weapons, including hypersonic Kinzhals, with special charges and head to patrol areas, the Russian Defense Ministry added.
From announcement to action
The start of the exercises comes 2 weeks after the first communications. On May 6, the Ministry of Defense announced preparations for military exercises that would include the use of “non-strategic nuclear weapons” in the face of what he describes as “provocative statements and threats” from “Western officials.”
The exercises ordered by President Vladimir Putin “in order to increase the readiness of tactical nuclear forces to carry out combat missions” will involve “missile formations of the Southern Military District” and it is therefore conceivable that the maneuvers will take place not far from the border with Ukraine.
The overall picture
The Russian initiative was part of a context of growing tension, characterized by the declarations of French President Emmanuel Macron on the hypothesis of sending soldiers to Ukraine and by the willingness of Estonia and Lithuania to play a role that goes beyond the simple supply of weapons and help.
To complete the mosaic, Belarus enters the scene and will participate in the nuclear exercises. Last year, Moscow deployed tactical nuclear weapons – “several dozen” according to President Alexander Lukashenko – also on the territory of Belarus.
The weapons in Belarus “are instruments of deterrence. Defensive. No one will attack with such weapons”, Lukashenko declared, making it known that Minsk “intends for the first time to practice the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons”. “The maneuvers are only defensive in nature,” he added.
The military forces “will deliver special ammunition (tactical nuclear weapons, ed.) to air force units, mount them on launchers and aircraft. Battalions assigned to the Iskander and Polonez missiles (missiles that can be equipped with nuclear warheads, ed.) will be deployed secretly in secret locations and will practice deploying missile launches,” he added.
