- According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a new round of tactical nuclear weapons drills has started.
- Russia had never before made public announcements about tactical nuclear weapons drills.
- Forty miles from Kharkiv and near the border, the town of Vovchansk has been the scene of the worst fighting.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, a new round of tactical nuclear weapons drills has started. This month, Russian authorities announced the exercises in reaction to statements made by high-ranking Western officials over the potential for further engagement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Although Russia’s strategic nuclear forces routinely conduct training, this was the first time the country had made public announcements about tactical nuclear weapons drills.
Russia-Ukraine war
Russia had never before made public announcements about tactical nuclear weapons drills. The northeastern Kharkiv region of Ukraine has been the subject of an aerial bombardment by Russian forces employing glide bombs, rockets, drones, and missiles.
Thousands of soldiers from Moscow are supporting the ground assault and attempting to advance on the capital. Forty miles from Kharkiv and near the border, the town of Vovchansk has been the scene of the worst fighting.
Initially, weak Ukrainian defenses were overcome by Russian forces, who advanced a few miles and took control of two pockets covering an area of roughly 50 square miles. The march of the Ukrainian reinforcements has stopped. A Russian drone carrying a bomb discovered the Ukrainian army vehicle on the road, causing damage to its three-wheeled vehicle.
