OREANDA-NEWS  The Russian General Staff has begun preparations for the exercises of the missile formations of the Southern District with the involvement of aviation and naval forces (Navy). He performs the corresponding task on behalf of President Vladimir Putin, the Ministry of Defense reported on the Telegram channel.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief instructed the defense Ministry to conduct exercises to practice the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. Their goal is to maintain the readiness of personnel and equipment and ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Russia.

The exercises, as emphasized by the Ministry of Defense, will be a response to provocative statements and threats from officials from Western countries against Russia. The department did not specify which statements it was talking about.

In March, the Ministry of Defense reported that the Yarsov regiment of the Irkutsk missile Compound would work out countering the attack of sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRG) at exercises. In total, about 300 units of large-sized equipment were involved in the maneuvers.