Russia holds nuclear drills
Russia's military starts drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, a first public announcement, signaling a warning to the West over potential deeper involvement in Ukraine. (AP photo)
Involves tactical nuclear weapons
Drills include preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, featuring nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles. (AP photo)
Drills at Southern Military District
The drills are taking place in the Southern Military District, encompassing Russian regions, Crimea, and four partially occupied Ukrainian regions annexed in 2022. (AP photo)
Drills announced 2-weeks ago
The Defense Ministry announced drills on May 6 in response to provocative statements and threats from Western officials concerning Russia. (AP photo)
Tactical nuclear weapons defined
Include air bombs, short-range missile warheads, and artillery munitions for battlefield use, less powerful than strategic nuclear weapons. (AP photo)
Western statements prompt drills
Comments from French President Macron and UK Foreign Secretary Cameron on military support for Ukraine led to Russia's nuclear drills. (AP photo)
Kremlin's response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cites Macron’s and other Western officials' remarks as a "new round of escalation" prompting the nuclear drills. (AP photo)