Russia plans tactical nuclear weapons drills near Ukraine border, citing "provocative statements" from NATO

Russia said Monday that it plans to hold drills simulating the use of battlefield nuclear weapons, also referred to as tactical nuclear weapons, amid rising tension following comments by senior Western officials about the possibility of deeper involvement in the war in Ukraine.

The announcement came on the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inauguration to a fifth term in office and several days before Moscow celebrates Victory Day, Russia's most important secular holiday, marking its defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.

The drills come in response to "provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation," the Defense Ministry said in a statement.