Russian forces have begun military exercises near Ukraine, simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived threats from the US, UK, and their allies. The drills, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, aim to warn the West against escalating tensions further. Russia is particularly irked by French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s remark that Ukraine has the right to target Russian sites with weapons supplied by London.

The Russian Defence Ministry has released footage showing missiles being transported to a field and troops preparing a bomber to carry a nuclear warhead. The exercises are taking place in Russia’s southern military district, which borders Ukraine and includes occupied territories. The Russian army has described this as the first stage of the drills, involving the loading of launch vehicles, driving to launch sites, and loading planes with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.