Vladimir Putin has launched a strategic nuclear training exercise with “practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles”, local media has reported.
Speaking to the country’s top military leaders, the Russian president said that using nuclear weapons would be an “extremely exceptional measure”, however, they needed to be kept ready to use.
It is the second time this type of drill has been conducted in two weeks, following an October 18 exercise in the Tver region which involved Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of striking US cities.
In the video call to high-ranking military officials, Putin emphasised that Russia’s nuclear arsenal is a “reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security”.
It is the second time this type of drill has been conducted in two weeks
Russian Ministry of Defence/Getty
“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.
“We will work out the actions of officials to control the use of nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles.”
As the Russian-Ukraine War nears its third-anniversary, Russian officials have said that it is entering its most dangerous phase.
In recent weeks, Moscow has hinted to the West that if they support Ukraine by giving them missiles to strike Russia, then there will be a retaliation.
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The Russian-Ukraine War is nearing its third-anniversary
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Last month, the Russian leader approved changes to the official nuclear doctrine.
The updated rules now state that Moscow would consider any assault on it supported by a nuclear power to be a joint attack.
Ukraine is a non-nuclear state that receives military support from the US, UK and other countries that have a nuclear arsenal.
In July, Moscow entered the third stage of its nuclear weapons drills, which the Kremlin said was ramped up following threats from western countries supporting Ukraine.
Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February 2022Reuters
“In accordance with the decision of the President of the Russian Federation, the third stage of the exercise of nonstrategic nuclear forces has begun,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
Both Putin and Joe BIden, have both warned that a Russia-Nato confrontation could lead to a World War Three, a sentiment also echoed by Donald Trump.
On Monday, the US said that they will not impose new limits on Ukraine’s use of American weapons if North Korea joins Russia’s war efforts.
This comes after Nato said that North Korean soldiers are now in the Kursk region to assist Moscow.