Russia's Nuclear Drills near Ukraine Escalate Tensions with the West

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a military exercise with nuclear weapons and non-strategic nuclear weapons near Ukraine to test the readiness of the nuclear forces. The drills aim to increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces in response to Western comments about potential intervention in the Ukraine war.

Tensions have escalated between Russia and European countries, including Germany, amid accusations of cyberattacks and military threats. The exercises include training with non-strategic nuclear weapons, although it is not clear whether actual atomic warheads will be used.

The maneuver will involve air and naval forces as well as troops from the southern Military District. Economists in Northern and Eastern Europe perceive the negative impact of the Ukraine war on their countries, particularly in the Baltic states.

There are concerns about the possibility of Russia using tactical nuclear weapons in the conflict. Western officials have been discussing the potential deployment of troops in Ukraine if the front collapses.