Putin tests 'tactical' nuclear weapons; What is the difference between “strategic” weapons?

These are considered tactical weaponswhich consist of small warheads and delivery systems for limited attacks or even for use on the battlefield.

Tactical weapons are designed to destroy targets in a specific area, Without causing widespread radioactivity.

They are less powerful than strategic weapons. These are huge warheads that arm intercontinental ballistic missiles and are designed to destroy entire cities.

“practical training”. According to a Defense Ministry statement issued on Tuesday, the first phase of the exercises consists of “practical training on the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons,” including the nuclear-capable Kinjal and Iskander missiles.

The maneuvers are taking place in the southern military region. Which covers areas in the south of the country, including the border with Ukraine; Crimea, the Ukrainian territory illegally annexed by Russia in 2014; Four more Ukrainian regions were captured in 2022 and partially occupied by Moscow's forces.

The exercises were announced on May 6 and are a response to “provocative statements and threats by some Western officials regarding the Russian Federation.” The Ministry of Defense announcement came after French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that he did not rule out the possibility of sending forces to Ukraine, and British diplomat David Cameron said that he would send long-range weapons to Kiev to strike targets in Russia.