Feeling threatened by Western countries, Russia holds nuclear war drills
For the first time Russia has publicly announced that it is holding military exercises, including tactical nuclear weapons exercises.
This article has been translated using AI. See Original .
About AI Translated Article
Please note that this article was automatically translated using Microsoft Azure AI, Open AI, and Google Translation AI. We cannot ensure that the entire content is translated accurately. If you spot any errors or inconsistencies, contact us at hotline@kompas.id, and we'll make every effort to address them. Thank you for your understanding.
The latest sighting of Russia's Sarmat intercontinental missile was shown in a video provided by Russian television, RU-RTR, on March 1, 2018. On October 5, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that his country is ready to produce the missile together with the Burevestnik missile.
MOSCOW, TUESDAY — Russia has threatened to attack British military bases and hold tactical nuclear weapons drills in response to threats by Western officials to get more involved in the war. https://www.kompas.id/label/senjata-nuklir?open_from=automate_body_url">Ukraine. This threat was made by Moscow, Monday (6/5/2024).
The Russian government has summoned the British ambassador in Moscow. The Kremlin then issued a warning that Ukraine's attack on Russian territory using British-made weapons could result in retaliation against British military facilities in Ukraine or other locations.
The statement was made by Russia ahead of President Vladimir Putin's fifth inauguration. The inauguration ceremony took place one week after Russia commemorated Victory Day against Nazi Germany in World War II on Thursday (2/5/2024).
Also read: Leaks Revealing NATO's Involvement in the Ukraine War
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russia's nuclear attack drills were an action against provocative statements and threats by several Western officials against Russia.
For the first time, Russia has openly announced military exercises, including tactical exercises with nuclear weapons. They have previously held nuclear weapons exercises, but it was done in secret.
The referred tactical nuclear weapons include warheads for short-range missiles and artillery ammunition used in frontline combat. The tactical nuclear weapons exercise was held around Crimea and eastern Ukrainian areas occupied by Russia.
The photo released by the Press Office of the Russian Ministry of Defense shows Russian Army's Iskander missile launcher vehicles taking position during a military exercise.
The nuclear weapon strength used in the exercise is not as powerful as the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) nuclear warhead, which can destroy an entire city.
The United States possesses the highest number of nuclear warheads in the world, with 12,100 units. Russia ranks second with 10,600 warheads. As for non-strategic nuclear warheads, such as those used in recent exercises, Russia has 1,558 units.
As a comparison, the atomic bomb in Hiroshima originated from a bomb with a 15-kiloton warhead. Non-strategic nuclear weapons are in the range of 1 kiloton, intended to achieve tactical victory in battle.
As a comparison, the atomic bomb in Hiroshima came from a bomb with a 15-kiloton explosive core. Non-strategic nuclear weapons are in the range of 1 kiloton, aimed at gaining tactical victory in battle. A 1-kiloton nuclear explosive core has a strength equivalent to 1,000 tons of TNT explosives.
The spokesperson of the Secretary General of the United Nations, Stephane Dujarric, expressed concern to parties who brought up the idea of using nuclear weapons. "The risk of nuclear weapons has recently reached a very dangerous level. All actions that can trigger miscalculations, escalation, and harmful effects should be avoided," said Dujarric. Original Article: Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) menyatakan keberatan terhadap rencana kebijakan pemerintah yang akan mencairkan dana pensiun PNS. Menurut PKS, rencana pemerintah itu cenderung merugikan sosial kemasyarakatan secara umum. PKS telah mengirimkan surat keberatan kepada Presiden untuk menunda kebijakan tersebut. English Translation: The Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS) objected to the government's plan to disburse civil servant pension funds. According to PKS, the government's plan tends to harm the general social community. PKS has sent a letter of objection to the President to postpone such policy. Original Article: Partai Persatuan Pembangunan (PPP) menargetkan dapat memenangkan lebih banyak kursi di Pemilihan Legislatif mendatang. Mereka menegaskan bahwa PPP adalah partai yang memiliki kesamaan visi dan misi dengan rakyat. Selain itu, mereka menilai bahwa capaian partainya di Pemilihan Legislatif sebelumnya sudah cukup baik. English Translation: The United Development Party (PPP) targeted to have more seats won in the upcoming Legislative Election. They emphasized that PPP is a party that shares the same vision and mission with the people. Moreover, they evaluated that their party's achievement in the previous Legislative Election was good enough.
A failed 220 millimeter rocket containing cluster bombs near a cemetery in Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, March 21, 2022.
The statement from Russia is a warning for the allies of Ukraine in Western Europe who are increasingly involved in the war in Ukraine, which has been raging for two years. Russia is currently in a favorable position as Ukraine is experiencing a shortage of soldiers and weapons. Several Western allies of Ukraine express concern that the war could expand beyond the Ukraine-Russia region.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his statement last week that it is not impossible for French soldiers to be sent to Ukraine. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that Ukrainian soldiers can use long-range weapons made in England to attack targets within Russian territory.
Several member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) which supply weapons to Ukraine also expressed similar sentiments. Spokesperson for the United States Ministry of Defense (Pentagon) Major General Pat Ryder criticized Russia's tactical nuclear weapons exercises.
"This is an example of Russia's irresponsible rhetoric that has been going on for a long time. It is very inappropriate, especially considering the current situation. We will continue to monitor them," said Ryder.
The Russian government viewed the statement from the Pentagon as a threat and heated up the relationship between Russia and NATO. So far, the Russia-Ukraine War has created tension between Russia and Western European countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a welcoming ceremony by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, October 12, 2023.
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday (6/5/2024) that the statements made by Macron and officials from the United Kingdom and the United States have prompted Russia to carry out nuclear weapon exercises. "This is a new escalation of tension that requires special and measured attention," said Peskov.
Also read: NATO Tactics Fail, Ukraine Returns to Applying Soviet Ways of War
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassadors of France and England regarding their government's statements about their involvement and supply of weapons to Ukraine.
Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said that nuclear weapon exercises disturb the stability of the region. "Russia's actions at this time can be considered irresponsible and reckless," Billstrom told Swedish TV TT.
Deputy for the Russian Security Council, Dmitri Medvedev, stated that Macron and Cameron's statements raised the risk of a nuclear race that would have global catastrophic consequences.
A long-range Tu-160 bomber took off from a base in Russia to patrol the airspace in Belarus on November 11, 2021.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has stressed that the tactical nuclear weapon exercises are aimed at increasing readiness for actual combat missions. This step was taken on the orders of President Vladimir Putin. The tactical nuclear weapon exercises involve the Southern Military District, along with the Air Force and Navy.
The announcement by Russia did not elicit a big reaction in Ukraine. Andrii Yusov, the spokesperson for Ukrainian Military Intelligence, said that nuclear threats are a common action carried out by the Putin regime. "This is not big news that needs to be taken seriously," he said.
Also read: A New Chapter of NATO's Role in the Ukraine-Russia War
Western officials blame Russia for threatening to expand the war with provocative actions. Last week, several NATO member countries expressed concern over Russia's hybrid actions in their ally's territory. This is considered to pose a security threat.
Dmitry Peskov rejected the accusations as baseless and the latest accusations against Russia.
Last week, the German Government called back its ambassador from Russia for consultation in Berlin regarding alleged computer hacking against Chancellor Olaf Scholz's supporting party.
Attack on Belgorod
In the latest development, Ukrainian drones reportedly hit two passenger cars in the Belgorod region, Russia, resulting in six deaths and 35 injuries. There were two children among the dead.
The Belgorod region borders Ukraine. The area has been hit by Ukrainian military attacks for months. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said one of the destroyed vehicles was carrying local farmers. This information cannot be independently confirmed.
The photo from December 30, 2023 shows firefighting officers working to extinguish the flames engulfing a car following an attack in Belgorod, Russia.
The Ukrainian military is trapped in a 1,000-kilometer-long battlefront stalemate due to a shortage of soldiers and ammunition after two years of war. This has prompted Ukraine to launch ammunition firing attacks on inland Russian regions.
This action was considered by Russia to be an attempt to expand the war. Russia also uses long-range missiles, artillery barrages and drone attacks to destroy Ukraine.
Also read: United States Bomb Remains in Cambodia
The latest news is that Russia attacked Sumy with 13 Iran-made Shahed drones. A total of 12 drones were shot down by the Ukrainian Air Force.
In addition, it was reported from Ukraine that a European weightlifting gold medalist in 2016 and 2017, Oleksandr Pielieshenko, died in battle. Pielieshenko (30), according to Ukraine's national weightlifting coach, Victor Slobodianiuk, was said to have fallen as a hero protecting Ukraine. (AP)
