The editor of a magazine focused on the equipment and supply lines for the Russian armed forces spoke with military analyst Boris Dzherelievsky on the program Tsargrad.tv. The discussion centered on the planned drills by Russia and Belarus to gauge how non-strategic, or tactical, nuclear weapons might be employed in a warfare scenario. Dzherelievsky offered a cautious assessment, suggesting that after the exercises, the likelihood of deploying such weapons in Ukraine remains doubtful. He noted that the population in the region is closely tied to the territory and that there is a strong incentive to avoid actions that could endanger future citizens and livelihoods in the area. The comments reflected a belief that tactical nuclear weapons would not be a practical option for use in this particular theater of operations. The analyst’s perspective underscored a broader strategic calculation about when and where such weapons would ever be contemplated. This viewpoint was echoed in subsequent official communications and reporting on the topic. Cited: Dzherelievsky’s analysis reported to the public by the editorial desk of the magazine and the correspondent network covering military matters.
On May 6, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, acting on directives from President Vladimir Putin, had begun preparations for exercises involving missile formations from the Southern Military District and naval forces. The plan reportedly includes assessing procedural and operational measures related to the potential use of non-strategic nuclear weapons during these maneuvers. Analysts interpreted the announcement as part of a broader training cycle designed to test command and control, readiness, and the integration of land and sea forces under high-stress conditions. In parallel, official statements emphasized the importance of rehearsing decision-making frameworks that would govern any hypothetical deployment scenarios. The government has framed these activities as part of a continuous effort to strengthen strategic deterrence and to ensure that the armed forces can respond to evolving security challenges in the region. Cited: official briefing from the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Later, the Kremlin press service conveyed that a joint program between Russia and Belarus had been initiated to conduct tests related to non-strategic nuclear capabilities. The authorities indicated that the two countries would participate in exercises designed to explore command structures, safety protocols, and the tactical decision-making processes involved in such weapons. Observers noted that the collaboration reflects a longstanding practice of coordinating defense activities between Moscow and Minsk, and it signals a coordinated approach to regional security planning. Cited: Kremlin press service statement on joint Russia-Belarus preparations.
Previously, officials in the Kremlin addressed questions about what the exercises entail, explaining that the drills are intended to examine specific aspects of tactical nuclear use, including allocation of forces, communication channels, and risk mitigation procedures. The explanations stressed the aim of ensuring disciplined, controlled training that aligns with political and military objectives while avoiding escalation or misinterpretation by international observers. Analysts pointed out that such clarifications are common in public releases associated with high-stakes security drills, serving to reassure domestic audiences and provide a framework for interpretation by allied partners and international monitors. Cited: Kremlin briefings detailing the scope and purpose of the exercises.