Sirens rang out across Russia on Wednesday and television stations paused their programs as part of tests aimed at evaluating warning systems and response capabilities in the midst of the war in Ukraine.
The exercise, which began today, follows a series of attacks by Ukrainian drones in Moscow and other cities across the vast country. During alert tests, the Ministry of Defense indicated that air defenses shot down 31 Ukrainian drones in border areas this morning.
As part of the exercises, televisions gave a warning: “Attention everyone! The readiness of the public warning system is being tested! Please remain calm!”
Russian media reported that the exercises are part of the growing danger of conflict between nuclear powers and simulate the response to a situation in which 70% of homes and all vital infrastructure were destroyed, while large areas were contaminated by radioactive effects. general mobilization is announced.
This devastating scenario is indicative of the Kremlin’s growing warnings that Western support for Ukraine increases the threat of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the National Security Council led by President Vladimir Putin, has regularly referred to a growing threat of nuclear conflict.
Criticizing officials for citing a growing increase in military aid to Kiev, Medvedev mused last weekend that “these imbeciles are pushing us forcefully towards World War III.”
These statements and the emergency exercises are in stark contrast to the government’s efforts to reassure a population that is also beginning to show fatigue after nearly twenty months of fighting in what the Kremlin continues to call a “special military operation.”
Echoing the West’s usual criticism of Ukraine, Defense Minister Serguei Shoigu and other military officials have said Russia does not need a new wave of mobilization due to the fact that there are enough volunteers.
Source: DN
