Putin Oversees Major Russian Nuclear Drill, Launches ICBMs

Vladimir Putin oversaw strategic nuclear forces drills, releasing video of him monitoring test launches from the presidential situation room. Russia conducted ICBM launches from land, sea, and air during the exercises. A Yars ICBM was fired toward Kamchatka, and a Sineva missile and air-launched cruise missiles were also deployed. The Kremlin stated the drill tested military preparedness and skills, with all objectives met. These exercises are considered routine but occur during a sensitive period and are not the first since the Ukraine war began. The drills are a show of Russia's strategic capabilities, potentially directed at Western allies. Putin, who has previously overseen similar drills, has criticized the US withdrawal from the INF Treaty. The drills involved land, sea, and air nuclear components, including the Yars, Bryansk submarine, and Tu-95 bombers. Russia has expressed concerns about Ukraine's F-16s possibly armed with tactical nuclear weapons, increasing tensions. The exercises continue to highlight the ongoing power dynamics.