Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a massive exercise of the country’s nuclear forces, featuring missile launches in a simulation of a retaliatory strike, as he continues to flex the country’s nuclear muscle amid spiraling tensions with the West over Ukraine. Speaking in a video call with military leaders, Putin emphasized that the drills will simulate top officials’ action in using nuclear weapons and include launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.
In the exercise, the military test-fired a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk launch pad at the Kura testing range on the Kamchatka Peninsula, while nuclear submarines fired ICBMs from the Barents Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. Nuclear-capable Tu-95 strategic bombers carried out practice launches of long-range cruise missiles. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that all the missiles reached their designated targets.
Putin’s move is seen as a clear warning to the West, particularly the United States, as the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate. The Russian leader has repeatedly brandished the nuclear sword, emphasizing that Russia’s nuclear arsenal remains a “reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security.”
As part of the exercise, the military also practiced deploying new missiles that possess higher precision, quicker launch times, and increased capabilities to overcome missile defences. Putin noted that Moscow will continue to modernize its nuclear forces, deploying new missiles that have a higher precision, quicker launch times and increased capabilities to overcome missile defences.
Vladimir Putin (Image via Getty)
The Russian leader’s message is clear: Russia will not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if necessary to defend itself, and its nuclear doctrine is designed to deter the West from taking military action against the country. Putin has warned the US and NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied longer-range weapons for strikes deep inside Russia would put NATO at war with his country.
The exercise is the latest in a series of drills conducted by Russia’s nuclear forces, following a joint nuclear exercise with Moscow’s ally Belarus earlier this year. The Russian military has been conducting a series of military exercises and drills in recent months, including large-scale exercises involving troops, tanks, and military equipment.
The situation in Ukraine remains volatile, with both Russia and Ukraine accusing each other of provoking military escalation. The United States and its NATO allies have imposed severe sanctions on Russia in response to its annexation of Crimea and ongoing support for separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine.
As tensions continue to escalate, the Russian military’s nuclear prowess is seen as a deterrent to any potential military action against the country. Putin’s move is intended to send a clear message to the West: Russia is ready to use its nuclear forces to protect its sovereignty and security.
