Ukraine war live updates: Russia launches tactical nuclear weapons drills, warning the West against direct involvement in the war

This is CNBC's live blog tracking developments on the war in Ukraine. See below for the latest updates. 

Russia's latest non-strategic nuclear weapons drills are being watched closely by Ukraine and the West, coming at a time when Moscow is warning Kyiv's Western allies against any direct involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Announcing the exercises earlier in May, Russia's Ministry of Defense directly linked the exercises to "provocative statements and threats of individual Western officials against the Russian Federation."

Earlier this week, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on allies to get more directly involved in the war, such as by helping to intercept Russian missiles.

The Kremlin accused Zelenskyy of "hysterics" and said Kyiv's request was due to "unfavorable conditions" for Ukraine on the battlefield.

The timing of Russian non-strategic nuclear weapons drills that began on Tuesday is not accidental and will certainly be watched closely by Ukraine and the West.

The exercises come at a time when Russia is repeatedly warning Kyiv's Western allies against any direct involvement in the war in Ukraine, including any potential deployment of ground troops.

Non-strategic or tactical nuclear weapons are designed for use on the battlefield and are able to erase specific targets, such as military bases or training centers. While they are less devastating than strategic nuclear weapons that can wipe out entire cities, their employment in the latest drills has made Russia's intentions clear with the drills designed to send a warning to Russia's adversaries.

Announcing the exercises earlier in May, Russia's Ministry of Defense directly linked the drills to "provocative statements and threats of individual Western