Prepping for World War III? Russia and Belarus Team Up on Nuclear Tactical Drills in Chilling Warning to West

Russia and its ally Belarus have initiated the second stage of tactical nuclear drills, serving as a warning to the West.

These exercises, ordered by Vladimir Putin, come amid frequent threats from Moscow, with top officials and state media suggesting the possible use of battlefield nuclear weapons in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry recently announced, "In accordance with the decision of the president of the Russian Federation, the second stage of the drills of the tactical nuclear forces has begun."

The exercises will address joint training of the Russian and Belarusian armed forces for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons, with the stated goal of "unconditionally ensuring the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Union State," the Mirror reported.

Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin emphasized the strengthening of their defensive capabilities, stating, "Our participation in the second stage of the training of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons confirms this."

"Today, we are acting proactively, raising our readiness for the use of so-called [nuclear] retaliatory weapons in a planned manner," he continued. "Now, more than ever before, we are determined to respond to any threats posed both to our country and to [Russia]."

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Footage from the drills shows hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles, which can reach speeds of 7,680 mph, and Iskander missiles, capable of speeds up to 5,300 mph. MiG-31K warplanes were also featured in the nuclear war games.

Last month, Vladimir Putin directed his military to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, citing alleged threats from Britain, France and the United States to provide Ukraine with missiles that could target Russian territory.