Putin orders NUKE weapons test after West vows to back Ukraine

Russia's latest threat comes as the Kremlin tells Western officials if they continue to support Ukraine then a "worldwide catastrophe" will break out as even those in Downing Street were told they can't hide anymore.

Putin told his Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to prepare military drills “in order to increase the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces to fulfil combat missions”, it has been reported.

This is believed to involve land, air and sea practice and preparations, say the defence ministry.