Russia announced Monday it will hold military exercises that simulate the use of nuclear weapons after some Western officials suggested there could be more involvement in the war in Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said it will hold military drills practicing the use of tactical nuclear weapons,

Vladimir Putin has repeatedly warned of nuclear conflict since the West came to Ukraine's aid after the 2022 Russian invasion.

The threat was in a response to recent comments by Western officials that European powers could do more to help Ukraine in its fight with Moscow.

Russia will hold tactical nuclear weapons drills in response to recent comments by France and the UK, the Kremlin said.

Russia said Monday it plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons amid rising tensions following comments by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Russia announced that it would conduct tactical nuclear drills on Monday in response to what it claimed were "provocative statements and threats" from Western officials concerning the Ukrainian war.