A French analyst described the upcoming Russian exercises with non-strategic nuclear weapons as "a way of calming the nerves" of its opponents.
"Russia sees that all the red lines have been crossed and says to itself: 'In the end, perhaps the only way to calm them down is to show them our non-strategic nuclear weapons,'" Bertrand Scholler told Sputnik Africa.
Moscow has a "variety of missile types that can be activated in a matter of minutes," the expert recalled.
The maneuvers are systematically organized in Russia, he explained, adding that Russia constantly shows that its troops are ready.
According to him, Moscow is sending a signal that "if there is a possible nuclear risk, they will intervene."
"I have the impression that, unfortunately, the message is not getting through," the analyst lamented.
Earlier on Monday, it was reported that the General Staff of the Russian armed forces is preparing for drills to practice the use of non-strategic nuclear weapons.