Russia has announced snap nuclear training exercises in response to what it perceives as provocative actions by the West regarding the conflict in Ukraine, according to Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov.

       "Training events announced by the Russian Ministry of Defense have not arisen out of the blue," Antonov told Newsweek. "This is a forced measure in response to the impudent and aggressive policy of the 'collective West,' which creates unacceptable threats to the security of Russia and its citizens.

       "The United States and its allies are constantly expanding supplies to Ukraine of lethal weapons designed to kill Russian people and carry out attacks on our territory. Step by step, they abandon their own previously declared 'self-limitations' in the hybrid war unleashed against us. Roughly speaking, they are trying to 'simmer' our country."

       The Russian Defense Ministry announced that missile, aviation, and naval units of Russia's Southern Military Command would practice the preparation and use of non-strategic nuclear weapons in these exercises.

       "We are not threatening anyone," Antonov said.

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       "However, the strategists in Washington who had gone off the rails as well as its satellites in Europe must understand that in the spurred rise of stakes, Russia will use all means to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The West will not succeed in the unilateral escalation game it tries to play."

       Tensions between Russia and the US-led NATO alliance have escalated since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The conflict has largely remained in a stalemate, prompting Western supporters to expand military assistance to Ukraine.

       The Russian Foreign Ministry, in a statement regarding the nuclear exercises, criticized the presence of US-provided military equipment in Ukraine, including missile systems and fighter jets.

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       The Ministry also warned against further escalation, particularly the deployment of US mid-range missile systems, which Russia would perceive as deliberate provocation.

       However, these exercises were met with criticism from the US State Department and the Pentagon, with officials condemning Russia's nuclear rhetoric as reckless and irresponsible.

       Despite the tensions, there have been no indications of changes to the US nuclear posture in response to Russia's actions.