Russian military vehicles are seen during the first stage of drills, involving practical training in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, at an unknown location in Russia’s Southern Military District, in this still image taken from video released May 21, 2024. Russian Defence Ministry/Handout via REUTERS
The Russian Defence Ministry announced on Tuesday the initiation of exercises ordered by President Vladimir Putin to simulate the preparation for the launch of tactical nuclear weapons. These exercises are in response to what Moscow describes as “militant statements” by Western officials, particularly French President Emmanuel Macron, which Russia claims pose security threats.
Objectives and Context
Nuclear analysts interpret these exercises as a strategic warning from Putin to deter further Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Western nations have supplied Ukraine with weapons and intelligence but have avoided direct troop deployment.
The Defence Ministry stated that the initial phase involves Iskander and Kinzhal missiles, aimed at ensuring readiness for the “combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons” to defend Russia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against perceived Western provocations.
The drills are conducted by missile forces in Russia’s Southern Military District, adjacent to Ukraine and encompassing regions currently under Russian control. Belarus, where Russia has previously announced the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, will also participate.
Tactical Nuclear Weapons
Tactical nuclear weapons, while less powerful than strategic nuclear arms designed for mass destruction, still possess significant destructive capabilities. Some Western analysts suggest that these weapons have gained prominence in Russian military strategy due to the challenges faced by its conventional forces in Ukraine.
The theoretical use of tactical nuclear weapons could shock the West without necessarily escalating to a full-scale nuclear war, although the risk of escalation remains substantial.
Exercise Details
According to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia controls approximately 1,558 non-strategic nuclear warheads, managed by the Russian Defence Ministry’s 12th Main Directorate (12th GUMO). The exercises involve troops practicing the retrieval of nuclear warheads for Iskander missiles, equipping launch vehicles, and covertly advancing to designated launch positions.
Additionally, aviation units are practicing the installation of nuclear warheads on Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and flying to patrol areas. The Defence Ministry released footage of missiles being transported and positioned for launch.
Nikolai Sokov, a former Soviet and Russian arms control official, noted that these exercises serve as a signal to NATO in response to discussions about the potential deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine. The exercises’ advance announcement and visibility are critical features. Western military observers will closely monitor these drills to gauge warning times and other operational insights.
Strategic Implications
The involvement of Kinzhal missiles, capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads, is a significant element of these exercises. When ordering the drills, Russia’s Foreign Ministry linked them to comments by Macron, who suggested the possibility of European troops fighting in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who supported Kyiv’s right to strike targets within Russia using Western-supplied weapons. The provision of long-range British, French, and U.S. ATACMS missiles to Ukraine was also cited.
On May 6, the Foreign Ministry stated that the exercises were intended to send a “sobering signal” to the West and its allies in Ukraine. The Ministry expressed hope that the drills would temper Western ambitions and highlight the potential catastrophic consequences of escalating strategic risks, urging a cessation of steps toward direct military confrontation with Russia.
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