Vladimir Putin has directed the Russian Ministry of Defence to conduct tests of non-strategic nuclear weapons, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between Russia and the West. The Russian president issued the order in response to what he termed as “Western aggression,” emphasizing that the exercises are aimed at safeguarding Russian sovereignty.
The exact date for the tests has not been disclosed; however, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that they would occur “in the near future.” The decision to conduct these tests was framed as a response to what the ministry described as “provocative statements and threats by individual Western officials against the Russian Federation.”
The move comes amidst heightened tensions between Russia and Western nations over various geopolitical issues, including the conflict in Ukraine and concerns over Russian military activities near NATO member states. Putin’s decision to authorize nuclear weapon tests is likely to further strain relations and raise concerns about the potential for military escalation in the region.
More updates on this developing situation are expected to follow as the tests proceed and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve.
