Russia announces new nuclear exercise near Ukraine – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country

In a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense on Monday, it says:

– The aim of the exercise is to ensure the security of Russia after provocative statements from Western representatives.

The exercise will include both the navy and forces based in the vicinity of Ukraine. It is not yet known when she will take place.

– Attempts at deterrence

Tom Røseth, associate professor at the Staff School in the Armed Forces, believes that what Russia is doing is primarily strategic communication.

– This is an attempt at deterrence, something Russia has done several times since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Røseth believes that the country is trying to convey to NATO and the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, that they have large capacities.

Macron has previously said that France does not rule out that Western soldiers could be sent to Ukraine.

The Russia researcher believes that Russia will also send a message to China and Chinese President Xi Peng, who is visiting France.

– One of the areas China and Russia disagree on is the threat of nuclear weapons.

Informing about such an exercise now, while Xi Peng is in France, sends a signal to China as well.

I think it’s irrational

The head teacher in intelligence believes that Russia actually has no reason to use nuclear weapons.

– The use of nuclear weapons will irrationally contribute to the desire to occupy Ukraine.

Furthermore, Røseth says that it is not in Russia’s interest to use such weapons either.

– The doctrine for notification of nuclear weapons is pretty much set. The Russian state must be significantly threatened, one cannot see that happening in Ukraine.

He adds that the use of nuclear weapons will also lead to strong international reactions.

– Not the first time

Johan Norberg at the Total Defense Research Institute (FOI) in Sweden, tells NTB that it is not the first time that Russia has had such an exercise.

– Based on the information we have now, I don’t think a nuclear bomb will go off.

Norberg believes that the exercise should be seen in connection with the large aid package recently approved by the US.

Russia has had nuclear exercises in the past – also before the war in Ukraine.

– But it is not new that Russia threatens the world, he says to NTB.

He says that we should keep an eye on whether Russia moves warheads from storage.