Russian plans to hold drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons, the defence ministry has announced, days after the Kremlin reacted angrily to comments by senior Western officials about the war in Ukraine.

The exercises are in response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

It is the first time that Russia has publicly announced drills involving tactical nuclear weapons, though its strategic nuclear forces regularly hold exercises.

Tactical nuclear weapons have a lower yield compared to massive warheads that arm intercontinental ballistic missiles intended to obliterate entire cities.

The announcement appeared to be a warning to Ukraine’s Western allies about becoming more deeply involved in the more than two-year war.

French President Emmanuel Macron repeated last week that he does not exclude sending troops to Ukraine, and UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said Kyiv’s forces will be able to use British long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

The Kremlin branded those comments as dangerous, heightening tension between Russia and Nato.