Russian troops have commenced major exercises to prepare for the potential deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing threats from Western allies.

The Russian Ministry of Defense shared a video showing troops affixing missiles and warheads onto fighter jets and armored trucks.

This marks the first stage of “practical testing” of these weapons in Russia’s southern military district, which includes regions bordering Ukraine.

The training involves loading Iskander ballistic missiles onto vehicles and equipping Kinzhal hypersonic missiles onto fighter jets.

According to the Ministry, the exercises aim to ensure readiness for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons to maintain Russia’s territorial integrity in response to Western provocations, The Hill reported.

These drills are expected to heighten tensions with the U.S. and raise concerns about Russia’s willingness to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

Tactical nuclear weapons, while smaller than strategic ones, can still deliver up to 100 kilotons of yield, surpassing the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

President Vladimir Putin has frequently threatened nuclear action amid the Ukraine conflict and has moved tactical nuclear weapons closer to NATO territory by relocating them to Belarus.

Written by B.C. Begley