Russia starts exercises to practice use of tactical nuclear weapons

This is reported by the Russian Defense Ministry.

"In accordance with the order of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces, the first stage of the exercise with practical training on the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons has begun in the Southern Military District under the leadership of the General Staff," the statement says.

It is noted that during this stage of the exercise, the Russians are practicing combat training tasks to obtain special ammunition for Iskanders, equipping them with launch vehicles, and covertly moving to prepare missile launches to the designated position area.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the personnel of the Aerospace Forces are practicing equipping special warheads with aviation weapons, in particular, Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles. Enemy aircraft are also practicing flights to designated patrol areas.

The Russian Defense Ministry adds that these exercises are being held to "unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative statements and threats by certain Western officials against the Russian Federation.”

• On May 10, it was reported that facilities that could potentially store nuclear weapons were being built in the city of Osipovichi in the Republic of Belarus, located about 190 km from the Ukrainian border.