Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched an unprecedented exercise of the country’s nuclear forces, featuring simulated launches of nuclear-capable missiles in a retaliatory strike scenario. The drills, described as a “massive nuclear strike” simulation, aim to demonstrate Russia’s capabilities and ability to respond to a perceived nuclear attack. Speaking during a video conference with top military leaders, Putin emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear deterrent to ensure Russia’s sovereignty and security. He noted that the country will continue to modernize its nuclear arsenal, deploying new missiles with increased precision, quicker launch times, and the capability to overcome missile defenses.
The exercise saw the test-firing of several ICBMs, including a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile, as well as the launch of long-range cruise missiles by nuclear-capable Tu-95 strategic bombers. Notably, the drills involved submarines, with the Novomoskovsk and Knyaz Oleg vessels test-firing ICBMs from the Barents Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that all the missiles reached their intended targets.
Vladimir Putin (Via Vladimir Putin/Twitter)
The exercise comes amid tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine, with Putin repeatedly warning that the use of Western-supplied longer-range weapons by Ukraine could lead to a war with NATO. Earlier this month, Putin announced a revised nuclear doctrine that considers a conventional attack on Russia by a non-nuclear nation supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack on his country. This move is seen as a warning to the US and other allies of Ukraine.
The Russian military has been holding a series of nuclear exercises in recent months, including a joint simulation with Belarus earlier this year. The recurring drills are meant to demonstrate Russia’s military capabilities and determination to maintain its nuclear deterrent, which Putin views as a reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security. The exercise is likely to further escalate tensions with the West, as Putin seeks to deter any potential intervention in Ukraine while reinforcing Russia’s position as a major global military power.
