In a dramatic show of power, Vladimir Putin has once again reminded the world of Russia’s vast nuclear capabilities. On Wednesday, Moscow announced that it had conducted a large-scale strategic nuclear exercise, featuring the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
According to the Kremlin, the drills were designed to test the readiness of Russia’s nuclear command and control systems in the event of a large-scale attack. The exercises were personally overseen by President Vladimir Putin, who serves as commander-in-chief of Russia’s armed forces.
The Kremlin confirmed that a “Yars” ICBM was launched from the Plesetsk spaceport in northern Russia toward the Kura test range in Kamchatka, thousands of miles away. Meanwhile, a “Sineva” ballistic missile was fired from the nuclear-powered submarine Bryansk in the Barents Sea, and long-range Tu-95MS bombers launched air-based cruise missiles.
Moscow claimed that all objectives of the exercise were successfully achieved.
For context, ICBMs are long-range missiles capable of traveling more than 3,400 miles (5,400 kilometers)—enough to reach NATO territory from within Russia. This capability makes such drills particularly alarming amid the already heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.
Since the invasion began, Putin has repeatedly used nuclear rhetoric to pressure Western nations. Russia has raised its nuclear alert levels, tested new weapons systems, and even suspended its participation in a major arms control treaty with the United States.
In March 2023, Russia announced the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus the first time it had stationed such arms outside its borders since the Soviet era. A year later, in November 2024, Putin approved an updated nuclear doctrine that analysts say lowers the threshold for nuclear use.
This week’s nuclear drills come shortly after Russia and Belarus completed their “Zapad 2025” joint exercises from September 12 to 16, aimed at testing the Union State’s defensive readiness. The drills reportedly included nuclear weapons training scenarios, featuring Russia’s Oreshnik missile system, which is expected to be delivered to Belarus by late 2025.
Interestingly, India also participated in these exercises, sending a 65-member military contingent, according to both Russian state media and India’s Ministry of Defence.
As the global community watches closely, this display of nuclear strength raises pressing questions about Russia’s future military intentions and the stability of global security in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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