Russia said it had carried out new nuclear military exercises this Tuesday, October 29, under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin, who had recently mentioned the possibility of using these weapons in the context of the conflict in Ukraine and with the West.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated in a statement that it had “fully met” the objectives set during these maneuvers, which included “launches of ballistic and cruise missiles” and gathered “land, naval and air strategic deterrence” forces.
“All missiles hit their targets,” he added.
In a video released by his services, Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov explained to the Russian head of state that one of the planned tests consisted of simulating “a massive nuclear attack (…) in response to an enemy nuclear attack.”
At the opening of the exercises, Vladimir Putin stated on Tuesday that the use of nuclear weapons remains “an exceptional measure” for Moscow.
But, “given the growing geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new threats and new external risks, it is important to have modern strategic forces constantly ready to be used,” he stressed.
A response to Western “threats”
The Russian president ordered in early May to organize nuclear exercises “in the near future” with troops stationed near Ukraine, in response to “threats” from Western leaders against his country.
At the end of September he proposed to review the Russian nuclear doctrine, considering “a joint attack” the “aggression of Russia by a non-nuclear country but with the participation or support of a nuclear country.”
This is a direct reference to Ukraine and its Western allies, which provide weapons and financing to kyiv against Russian forces.
Ukraine is seeking authorization to use long-range missiles against Russia, despite reluctance, particularly from the United States, a major nuclear power, which fears an escalation.
Vladimir Putin, for his part, warned that such a decision would mean that “NATO countries are at war with Russia.” “I hope you heard it,” he repeated on this topic on Sunday.
In October 2023, the Russian head of state had already supervised the launch of ballistic missiles during military maneuvers intended to simulate a “massive nuclear attack” in response.
Source: BFM TV
