Russia sent a pointed reminder on Tuesday that it could use battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine, releasing video of its forces beginning exercises to practice their use, two weeks after President Vladimir V. Putin ordered the provocative drills.
Video released by the Russian Defense Ministry showed a caravan of military vehicles moving down a wooded road, as well as mobile Iskander missile systems — which can deliver conventional or nuclear explosives — getting into position to launch, with their warheads blurred out.
The footage also showed a supersonic strategic bomber armed with missiles and an attack aircraft being prepared for takeoff.
In a statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said the exercise, carried out near Ukraine, was aimed at preparing the force for the possibility of using tactical nuclear weapons.
The goal is to “unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Russian state in response to provocative statements and threats of individual Western officials,” the ministry said.
Persons:
Vladimir V, Putin, “, Emmanuel Macron, David Cameron, Britain’s
Organizations:
Russian Defense Ministry, Kremlin
Locations:
Russia, Ukraine, Russian, France