Russian forces have started military drills near Ukraine simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons.
This is in response to what Russia deems threats from the United States of America, the United Kingdom and their allies.
It also concerns the western increased involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Guardian, UK, reports that President Vladimir Putin ordered the drills earlier this month
Russian officials said this is serving as a warning to the west not to escalate tensions further.
Russia is particularly angered by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine.
The UK foreign secretary, David Cameron had also remarked that Ukraine had the right to use weapons supplied by London to target sites in Russia.
The Russian defence ministry published footage on Tuesday showing trucks carrying missiles to a field where launch systems had been prepared and troops at an airfield readying a bomber to carry a nuclear warhead.
The drills are taking place in Russia’s southern military district, headquartered in Rostov-on-Don, which borders Ukraine and includes parts of the country which Russia occupies.
The Russian army said it was the first stage of the drills, involving loading of launch vehicles, driving to launch sites and loading planes with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.
War: Russia military begins drills on nuclear weapons over comments by France, UK
