Kremlin statement on nuclear exercises

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made statements to journalists regarding Russia's launch of the second phase of non-strategic nuclear weapons exercises with Belarus.

Pointing out that the situation on the European continent is quite tense, Peskov said, "New hostilities against Russia are being provoked every day by the actions and decisions of European capitals and Washington. Provocations occur every day. Therefore, of course, such exercises and the maintenance of combat readiness are very important for us."

Describing the exercise as "normal practice" in general, Peskov added, "If there are certain types of weapons, then the armed forces must maintain their combat readiness at an appropriate level and conduct exercises."

The Russian Ministry of Defense had announced that, by the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the second phase of the exercises involving non-strategic nuclear forces with the Belarusian army had begun.

The ministry had announced on May 21 that it had launched exercises for the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons in the country's Southern Military District.