In a display of military readiness, Russia and its ally Belarus have commenced the second stage of joint drills focused on training their troops in tactical nuclear weapons. This move is seen as part of the Kremlin's efforts to dissuade Western nations from increasing support for Ukraine, a nation caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war.

Announced by the Russian Defense Ministry in response to what they termed as "provocative statements and threats" from Western officials, these nuclear maneuvers serve as a strong message to deter any perceived aggression toward Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments about considering the deployment of troops to Ukraine, and the permission granted to Ukraine by the US and NATO allies to use weapons for striking targets in Russian territory, have ruffled feathers in Moscow.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed concern over the "hostile decisions and actions" by the US and its European allies, stating that drills and combat readiness are crucial given the "daily provocations" they face. The second stage of the joint exercises, which commenced on Tuesday, will train Russian and Belarusian troops in the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons in combat situations. The Defense Ministry emphasized that the aim of the exercise is to maintain the readiness of personnel and equipment while safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russia-Belarus alliance.

During the first stage of the drills, the focus was on nuclear mission preparation and deployment for launches, with the Russian military conducting separate training before the joint exercises with the Belarusian forces. It is worth noting that Russia had previously stationed some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, a move that has raised concerns given the country's proximity to Ukraine and neighboring NATO members.

Tactical nuclear weapons include air bombs, short-range missile warheads, and artillery munitions. Unlike strategic weapons, which are meant to devastate entire cities, tactical weapons are designed for use on the battlefield and are generally less powerful. Russian President Vladimir Putin has emphasized the strength of Russia's battlefield nuclear weapons, asserting that they surpass the destructive power of the two atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.

Despite this show of strength, Putin states that there is currently no threat to Russia's sovereignty that would necessitate the use of nuclear weapons. He underlined Moscow's nuclear doctrine, which permits the use of such weapons in response to a threat against Russia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is important to note that Putin has consistently reminded the West of Russia's nuclear capabilities since the country's military intervention in Ukraine in 2022.

These joint drills highlight the ongoing tension between Russia and the West, particularly amid the Ukraine crisis. As the situation remains delicate, observers cautiously monitor the geopolitical landscape, hoping for a peaceful resolution while acknowledging the potential implications of Russia's nuclear posturing.