Pentagon on Russia's Nuclear Drill Conduct

The United States does not see signs of preparations for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Russian nuclear drills. This was stated by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

“We have not seen anything at this point that would lead us to think that this is some sort of covert operation,” the Pentagon chief said, according to the BBC's Russian service.

Austin added that he does not believe Russian President Putin has made a decision to deploy tactical nuclear weapons, and he declined to comment on what the West's response could be. “We have been very clear from the beginning that there will be a significant response from the international community,” he said.