The second stage of exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces has begun in Russia. During them, issues of joint training of units of the Armed Forces of Russia and Belarus for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons will be worked out.
The exercises are aimed at maintaining the readiness of personnel and equipment of units for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons of Russia and Belarus in order to unconditionally ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Union State.
Earlier, as part of the first stage of the exercise, personnel of missile formations of the Southern Military District practiced the tasks of receiving training ammunition for the Iskander operational-tactical missile system and covertly moving to the designated positional area to prepare for missile launches.
Also, the personnel of the Aerospace Forces of Russia practiced equipping aviation weapons with training special warheads, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, followed by departure to patrol areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously noted that he does not rule out adjustments to the state's nuclear doctrine, which involves the use of nuclear weapons. At the same time, he emphasized that nuclear weapons can be used in an «exceptional case» when it comes to a threat to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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