Russia's principal diplomat in the United States disclosed to Newsweek that his nation undertook abrupt nuclear exercises in response to what Moscow deemed a series of destabilizing actions by Washington and its allies regarding the Ukraine conflict.
Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov informed Newsweek that the training events were not unforeseen. He asserted, "This is a necessary response to the aggressive policy of the 'collective West,' which poses unacceptable threats to Russia and its citizens. The United States and its allies are escalating supplies of lethal weapons to Ukraine, designed to kill Russian people and attack our territory." He emphasized that Russia is not threatening anyone but will utilize all means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The exercises, announced on Monday, involved missile, aviation, and naval units of Russia's Southern Military Command practicing the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. These exercises, the first since Russia's war in Ukraine began on February 22, 2022, were specifically in response to provocative statements and threats from Western officials against Russia.
Tensions between Russia and the U.S.-led NATO military alliance have escalated since the Ukraine conflict began. The White House has accused Russia of aggression, while Moscow has accused Western countries of using Ukraine to expand NATO presence along Russia's borders.
The recent nuclear exercises drew criticism from the U.S. State Department and the Pentagon, with officials calling Russia's rhetoric reckless and irresponsible. However, they stated that there was no reason to adjust their own nuclear posture in response to these announcements, nor any indication that Russia was preparing to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine.