NATO reacts to Russia's aggressive nuclear rhetoric

NATO has said that Russia's nuclear rhetoric is reckless and dangerous in reaction to Russia's declaration of tactical nuclear weapons drills.

NATO spokeswoman Farah Dakhlallah noted in a comment to RMF FM that "NATO remains vigilant", and Russia's nuclear rhetoric is dangerous and irresponsible.

"Our collective deterrence and defence will continue to protect every inch of Alliance territory," Dakhlallah said.

She noted separately that "Ukraine has the right to self-defence enshrined in the UN Charter, and NATO allies will continue to support this right."

However, "Russia started this illegal war and must end it," the spokeswoman said.

The Ministry of Defence of Russia announced on 6 May that it would "soon" conduct exercises involving the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons on the orders of Russian ruler Vladimir Putin.

This concerns exercises with missile formations of the Southern Military District with the involvement of aviation, as well as the Russian Navy.

The EU called the plans for the exercises a continuation of Russia’s irresponsible behaviour.

Despite Russia's plans to undertake drills with non-strategic nuclear weapons, the US State Department found no signs of their possible use in Ukraine.