Russia has initiated military exercises, as ordered by Vladimir Putin, which simulate the launch of tactical nuclear weapons, including its hypersonic Kinzhal missiles. Ukraine and its Western allies have asserted that Putin has frequently threatened nuclear war in Europe since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The Kremlin, however, claims that it is reacting to security threats against Russia, citing Emmanuel Macron’s refusal to rule out deploying French soldiers to Ukraine. The exercises are scheduled to take place in occupied Ukrainian territories and Belarus, coinciding with Ukrainian forces in northern Kharkiv successfully deploying fresh artillery supplies to halt Russia’s advance. A Ukrainian serviceman described the effective use of drones in targeting Russian soldiers: “We observe them walking on foot to their positions. As they move, we attempt to hit them, to inflict maximum casualties.”
Furthermore, the Ukrainian military has announced the destruction of the last Russian warship armed with cruise missiles stationed on the occupied Crimean peninsula.
