OREANDA-NEWS  In Russia, by decision of President Vladimir Putin, the third stage of exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces has begun. This was reported by the Russian Defense Ministry, TASS reports.

The military personnel will work out the issues of training units of the Armed Forces of Russia for the combat use of non-strategic nuclear weapons. The third stage of the exercises involves the Southern and Central Military Districts, as well as personnel of the Aerospace Forces.

The first stage of the exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces in Russia began in May. The exercises are connected with the need to be ready to respond to the actions of the West, explained then Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. The Kremlin, in turn, noted that the unprecedented round of tension in Ukraine requires retaliatory measures from Russia.

Tactical (non—strategic) nuclear weapons are one of the types of nuclear weapons. It is characterized by reduced power and is used to defeat large targets and concentrations of enemy forces at the front and in the immediate rear. This type of weapon can be made in the form of bombs, artillery shells, landmines, depth charges, torpedoes with warheads, projectiles for anti-aircraft missile systems and short-range missiles