ALBAWABA- Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a major nuclear readiness exercise, simulating a retaliatory strike in response to perceived threats, intensifying nuclear rhetoric as Western support for Ukraine continues to grow.
This extensive drill, which took place Tuesday, included launches of Russia’s “nuclear triad” – ground, sea, and air-based missiles.
According to Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, the drill aimed to test a “massive nuclear response” to any potential nuclear attack from adversaries.
In the drills, a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Plesetsk reached its target in Kamchatka, while submarines and strategic bombers deployed Sineva and Bulava missiles, showcasing Russia’s nuclear reach across all delivery platforms.
The exercise comes amid escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, particularly following NATO’s recent allegations that North Korea had deployed troops to support Russia.
Moscow, while not directly addressing this claim, has reaffirmed its “sovereign right” to deepen ties with Pyongyang.
On Tuesday, Putin highlighted Russia’s nuclear capability as a “reliable guarantor of sovereignty and security” and reasserted that nuclear weapons remain a last-resort option.
In recent months, Russia has adjusted its nuclear doctrine, allowing for broader scenarios in which it might consider deploying nuclear arms, especially as Ukraine receives more sophisticated weaponry from its allies.
