President Vladimir Putin has ordered the Russian military to test its willingness to use tactical nuclear weapons. A move that the Kremlin said was a response to recent comments from Western officials, including warnings that European powers could do more to help Ukraine in its battle with Moscow.

Russia said yesterday it would practice the use of tactical nuclear weapons as part of a military exercise after what Moscow said were threats from France, Britain and the United States.

Since staging the so-called “special military exercise” in Ukraine in late February 2022, Russia has repeatedly warned of rising nuclear risks — warnings that the United States says it must take seriously, even as U.S. officials say they have seen no change in Russian situation. nuclear posture.

Russian state news agency TASSciting the Ministry of Defense, says the army will conduct exercises in southern Russia to “practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.”

The exercises involving air and naval forces are reportedly being held in response to “provocative statements and threats from certain Western officials.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later on Monday linked the exercises to what he described as Western announcements to send troops to Ukraine.

According to Western media reports, both the United States and the European Union have labeled Russia’s announcement of tactical nuclear preparedness exercises as “irresponsible” given the current heightened tensions.