Moscow [Russia], May 7 (HBTV): Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian forces to conduct tactical nuclear weapons exercises in response to what he termed as "threats" from the West, CNN reported.   

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has hinted at the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons against Western nations. However, Monday marked the first public announcement of such drills by Russia.   

According to Russia's defense ministry, the exercises will encompass preparations and deployment scenarios involving non-strategic nuclear weapons.   

Tactical nuclear weapons, unlike their strategic counterparts, are designed for battlefield use and possess lower destructive capabilities, as reported by CNN.   

The decision to conduct these drills follows what the defense ministry describes as "provocative statements and threats" from Western officials, which Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov characterized as reaching "unprecedented levels." 

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a recent interview with The Economist magazine, reiterated the possibility of deploying Western troops to Ukraine, underscoring the threat Russia poses to European security.   

Similarly, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, during a visit to Ukraine, emphasised Ukraine's right to defend using weapons supplied by the UK, condemning Russia's invasion.    

The announcement of the drills comes amidst the passage of a long-delayed aid package by the United States for Kyiv, aimed at bolstering Ukraine's military capabilities against renewed Russian aggression. 

Russian forces have made significant territorial gains along Ukraine's eastern front in recent months, exploiting their manpower and ammunition advantage before the arrival of US aid.   

Putin's invocation of nuclear rhetoric often coincides with challenges to Russia's military objectives or increased international support for Ukraine.  

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.