Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a sharp message on the eve of his inauguration for a fifth term in office, planning tactical nuclear drills as the Kremlin accused Western leaders of escalating tensions over the Ukraine war and hauled in the ambassadors of Britain and France for a dressing-down.
As Putin met with members of the government Monday while preparing to begin his new term, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced it would stage nonstrategic nuclear missile drills in the near future. Russia’s Foreign Ministry also summoned the British and French ambassadors for a scolding, sending a tough message about Russia’s hardening approach to the West.