The Kremlin asserts that Russia’s upcoming nuclear drills stem from “unprecedented” remarks, including those by French President Emmanuel Macron, regarding the deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine. Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry announced imminent drills, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, in response to unspecified Western “threats.” “It’s evident that we refer to statements from Mr. Macron and British authorities,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated when questioned about the drills’ impetus. “They discuss the willingness and even the intention to dispatch armed contingents to Ukraine, essentially placing NATO troops opposite the Russian military,” he added. “This marks a new phase in escalating tensions. It is unprecedented and calls for exceptional measures.” Macron stated in an interview last week that sending troops to Ukraine would be a “legitimate” consideration if Russia breached Ukrainian front lines and Kyiv made such a request. Macron emphasized, “I’m not ruling out anything because we face an adversary who rules nothing out,” referring to Putin. Similar remarks were made by Macron in February. In a recent interview, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron asserted that Ukraine has the “right” to strike targets within Russia. Western military aid has been crucial for Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russia, but NATO has ruled out sending troops into Ukraine.
Russia Responds to NATO’s Troop Deployment Plans with Impending Nuclear Drills
