Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a significant exercise of the country's nuclear forces on Tuesday, showcasing missile launches in a simulation of a retaliatory strike. This demonstration comes amidst escalating tensions with the West over the situation in Ukraine.
During a video call with military leaders, Putin announced that the drills would involve top officials practicing the use of nuclear weapons, including launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov stated that the exercise aims to simulate strategic offensive forces launching a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy's nuclear attack.
