Amid mounting fears of a potential nuclear conflict, Ukrainians are swiftly moving to fortify their defences against radiation.
Vinnytsia Mayor Serhii Morhunov has announced the construction of anti-radiation shelters in 10 educational institutions within the city, marking a proactive step towards safeguarding the population against the spectre of nuclear war.
“We have become the first in Ukraine to start building anti-radiation shelters, and work is underway in 10 educational institutions to create a safe environment for in-class learning for schoolchildren,” Morhunov shared on Facebook.
This urgent initiative comes as Russia flexes its military muscle, launching drills involving tactical nuclear weapons in the Southern Military District.
The exercises, which include the use of nuclear-capable Kinzhal and Iskander missiles, underscore Russia’s readiness to escalate tensions amid growing geopolitical strife.
In response to perceived provocations from Western leaders, Russia’s Defence Ministry announced the commencement of these drills earlier this month.
The drills were announced on May 6, with the Defence Ministry saying in a statement that they would come in response to “provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation”.
French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron’s statements regarding potential military support for Ukraine were met with condemnation from the Kremlin, which deemed them as triggers for heightened escalation.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on May 6 that Macron’s statement and other remarks by British and US officials had prompted the nuclear drills, calling the remarks “a new round of escalation”.
