Russia Launches Nuclear Drills; West Contemplating Response (image@ screengrab from X video)
Russia launched special exercise of nuclear forces. The move came after tension started soaring over the West’s support for Ukraine’s use of long-range cruise missiles to target territories deep inside Russia. The exercise involved Moscow’s full nuclear “triad” of ground, air, and sea launched missiles.
Speaking of the issue, President of Russia, Vladimir Putin said it is important to have modern and constantly ready-to -use strategic forces, given the growing geopolitical tensions and the “emergence of new external threats and risks”.
Also Read: Over 12,000 North Korean Troops Join Russia’s War On Ukraine
In televised comments, Russia’s Minister of Defence Andrei Belousov told Putin that the purpose of the drill was to practise delivering “a massive nuclear strike by strategic offensive forces in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy”.
This is the second such military exercise initiated by Putin in a fortnight. The West-led NATO alliance is only beginning to decipher how to deal with the escalating situation.
Russia has earlier clarified that if the West allow Ukraine to use long-range cruise missiles, Moscow would use it nukes to defend the country.
Kremlin had said updated nuclear doctrine, approved by Putin last month, will allow Moscow to use nukes against non-nuclear states. The modified doctrine was perceived as a warning to the West.
Under the newly introduced changes, Russia would consider any assault on it supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack. It was taken as a warning to the United States not to help Ukraine strike deep into Russia with conventional weapons.
Earlier this week, NATO said that North Korea had sent troops to western Russia, a claim the latter has not denied. Last week, Putin stated that Moscow’s implementation of its partnership treaty with Pyongyang is none of anyone’s business.
Russian officials has recently stated that the two- and- half year long war is entering its most dangerous phase as the West considers how to shore up Ukraine while Russian forces advance in the east of the country.
Putin said his country’s nuclear arsenal remains a “reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security”.
Also Read: Putin Flashes Symbolic BRICS Currency, Signals De-Dollarisation Push
“Taking into account growing geopolitical tensions and emerging new threats and risks, it’s important for us to have modern strategic forces that are always ready for combat,” he added.
Putin also said that Russia sees nuclear weapons use as “the ultimate, extreme measure of ensuring its security”.
Earlier on October 18th, Russia practised drills involving field movements by a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking US cities.
Putin has sent several pointed signals to the West, including the refurbished nuclear doctrines, and announcing the deployment of tactical nuclear missiles to neighbouring Belarus.
Ukraine accused Putin of blackmailing with nukes. NATO said it will not intimidated by the Russian threats.
