Hiroshima prays for peace, fears new arms race on atomic bombing anniversary

People pray in front of the cenotaph for the victims of the 1945 atomic bombing, on the 77th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, western Japan, August 6, 2022, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via REUTERS

Bells tolled in Hiroshima on Saturday as the city marked the 77th anniversary of the world's first atomic bombing, with officials including the United Nations secretary general warning of a new arms race following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, and, shortly after, Russian President Vladimir Putin had obliquely raised the possibility of a nuclear strike. The conflict has also heightened concerns about the safety of Ukraine's nuclear plants.