Russia is the world’s largest nuclear power. Together, Russia and the US control 88% of the world’s nuclear warheads.
Russia Begins Nuclear Drill
Moscow
Russia’s nuclear forces initiated a unique drill following directives from President Vladimir Putin. The decision is made during a crucial moment in the Ukraine conflict following statements from top officials in Moscow calling it the “most challenging stage”.
This marks Putin’s second military drill in a two-week period, leaving the NATO alliance uncertain about how to handle the intensifying situation. Tensions escalated when Western forces, under US leadership, were considering granting Ukraine access to long-range cruise missiles for targeting deep areas within Russia.
Moscow has indicated to the ‘West’ that if Ukraine, supported by the West, takes such action, Russia will potentially use its nuclear weapons to protect the homeland.
The recent nuclear doctrine approved by Putin enables Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states, serving as a caution to the West.
President Putin announced today the start of a nuclear weapons exercise, stating that they will practice managing the use of these weapons by conducting practical tests with ballistic and cruise missiles.
President Putin stated in a video clip that officials will control nuclear weapon use by testing ballistic and cruise missiles, adding that while using nuclear weapons is a rare measure, they must remain prepared for deployment.
Putin stated that they do not intend to participate in a new arms race, but will keep nuclear forces at a sufficient level.
WEST
NATO criticized Russia for allegedly sending North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine’s western regions.
The Pentagon reported North Korea is sending over 10,000 troops to Russia, but Ukraine’s Zelensky believes it could be more than 12,000.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh informed reporters that around 10,000 soldiers from the DPRK have been sent to eastern Russia for training, which could potentially strengthen Russian forces near Ukraine in the upcoming weeks.
Sabrina Singh expressed growing concern that some soldiers have already advanced towards Ukraine, raising fears that Russia may deploy them for military action or to aid in combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia’s defense plans are solely the business of Russia. He added that in the event Ukraine decides to join NATO, Russia could also decide to do “whatever it pleases”.
A Nuclear War??
Today marks the beginning of the most recent drill conducted by the Russian military. This is in reference to a comparable event that took place in the Tver region of the country, situated in the northwest of Moscow. A unit was equipped with Yars Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles, along with other equipment, capable of hitting all parts of the US.
Russia holds the title of being the biggest nuclear power in the world. Combined, Russia and the US possess 88% of the global nuclear warheads. Vladimir Putin, who presents the West as a declining aggressor, and US President Joe Biden, who describes Russia as a corrupt autocracy, have both cautioned that a direct Russia-NATO conflict could lead to World War III. Donald Trump, who is running for president as a Republican candidate, has also expressed concerns about the potential of a nuclear war.
Putin stressed the importance of having modern and always prepared strategic forces in response to increasing geopolitical tensions and new external threats and risks. He also mentioned that Russia is transitioning to new missile systems, both stationary and mobile, that have quicker launch preparation times and can bypass missile defence systems.
The Pentagon stated that new restrictions will not be placed on Ukraine’s utilization of American arms if North Korea gets involved in Russia’s conflict.
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