Russia's armed forces will carry out nuclear exercises "in the near future" at bases near Ukraine. It was announced by the executive, relaunching the words of President Vladimir Putin, who gave the order to respond to the "threats" of Western leaders towards Moscow. The tests will involve the Air Force, Navy and forces from the Army's Southern Military District.

The maneuvers aim to "maintain the readiness" of the army to protect the country, "in response to provocative statements and threats made against Russia by some Western officials. A series of measures will be adopted to train in the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons", said Russian Defense Ministry Sergei Shoigu.