Russia to practice tactical nuclear weapon scenario to deter West - defence ministry

Russia's President Vladimir Putin inspects a military exercise, which tests the country's ability to deliver a massive retaliatory nuclear strike by land, sea and air, via a video link from Moscow, Russia October 25, 2023. Sputnik/Gavriil Grigorov/Pool via REUTERS/ File Photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia on Monday said it would hold a military exercise that will include practice for the use of tactical nuclear weapons after what the defence ministry said were provocative threats from Western officials.

The defence ministry said the exercise was ordered by President Vladimir Putin and would test the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to perform combat missions.