Pentagon spokesman, Major General Pat Ryder, told journalists when asked about the announcement, "This is an example of the kind of irresponsible rhetoric that we''ve seen from Russia in the past. It''s completely inappropriate given the current security situation. 

The United States on Monday described Moscow''s action as "irresponsible rhetoric" after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered nuclear drills near Ukraine. 

Pentagon spokesman, Major General Pat Ryder, told journalists when asked about the announcement, "This is an example of the kind of irresponsible rhetoric that we''ve seen from Russia in the past. It''s completely inappropriate given the current security situation. 

"We''ve not seen any change in their strategic force posture," Ryder said, adding that "Obviously we''ll continue to monitor."

President Vladimir Putin had ordered the Russian military to stage tactical nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops stationed near Ukraine, Russia''s Defense Ministry said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian border regions reported drone strikes. 

The governor of Russia''s Belgorod region said six people were killed in a drone strike in Ukraine, and Ukrainian officials reported a power outage in the Sumy region after the Russian airstrike.

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