Russian Military Exercise Uses Non-Strategic Nuclear Weapons

On May 21, 2024, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the first stage of the Russian Armed Forces’ military exercises aiming to simulate the launch of tactical nuclear weapons had begun in the Russian Southern Military District. A video recording of the exercises was published on the Ministry of Defense Telegram-channel. The exercises were initially announced by the Ministry on May 6, in compliance with the order of the Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin. According to the Ministry of Defense Telegram channel, the exercises include using mobile short-range ballistic missile systems “Iskander” and hypersonic air-launched ballistic missiles “Kinzhal.”