Moscow, Russia

The Kremlin reacted after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (May 6) ordered new nuclear weapons drills in the face of Western "threats" amid the ongoing war with Ukraine. This comes after a Ukrainian drone attack killed six people and wounded over 30 in Russia's Belgorod border region which turned out to be one of the deadliest attacks inside Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion over two years ago. 

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Russia's defence ministry said the exercises would be held in the "near future" and involve the air force, navy and troops stationed near Ukraine. 

The Kremlin stated that the nuclear weapons drills were a response to "unprecedented" comments by the West, including by French President Emmanuel Macron, on sending troops to Ukraine. It said that the escalation requires "special measures". 

Also read: Ukraine war: Six killed, 35 injured in Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod region 

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On being asked by reporters what led to the drills, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "It's obvious we are talking about statements from Mr. Macron and statements from British representatives. This is a completely new round of escalating tensions. It is unprecedented and requires special measures." 

Earlier this year in February, Putin talked about Moscow's nuclear capabilities by announcing the deployment and tests of new hypersonic weapons when he delivered his annual state-of-the-nation address. 

The Russian president had also issued a warning to the West saying that Russia had weapons that could strike within their territory and that their threats created a "real" risk of nuclear war. 

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Also read: Xi Jinping in France: Chants of 'Free Tibet' echo in Paris streets amid Chinese leader's state visit 

The war in Ukraine, which started on February 24, 2022, has led to the worst crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. 

During the course of the war, Putin issued several warnings to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members against sending military assistance and ground troops to Ukraine as he said it would cause a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia. 

Watch: Ukraine war, trade and investment top agenda of Xi's visit  

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Use of non-strategic nuclear weapons

The Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement that "during the exercise, a set of measures will be taken to practise the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons". 

Non-strategic nuclear weapons, also known as tactical nuclear weapons, are meant for use on the battlefield and can be delivered via missiles. 

The ministry mentioned that troops from the Southern Military District, which borders Ukraine and includes the occupied Ukrainian territories will take part in the drills.

Russia has often warned that Putin was "not bluffing" when he said he was ready to use nuclear weapons as Russia has also pulled out of arms control treaties with the US. 

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

(With inputs from agencies)