Putin begins nuclear forces exercises focused on retaliatory strikes

Putin stated that Russia’s nuclear arsenal serves as a “reliable guarantor of the country's sovereignty and security.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an exercise of Russia's strategic nuclear deterrence forces to train actions of officials on operating nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles, at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. (AP)

Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a significant exercise of the country’s nuclear forces on Tuesday, involving missile launches that simulate a retaliatory strike. This move reflects Russia’s intent to showcase its nuclear capabilities amid escalating tensions with the West over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In a video call with military leaders, Putin detailed that the drills would mimic the actions of top officials in the event of a nuclear weapons deployment. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov emphasized that the exercise is designed to practice “strategic offensive forces launching a massive nuclear strike in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy.”

Putin, who has consistently highlighted the importance of nuclear deterrence to dissuade Western support for Ukraine, stated that Russia’s nuclear arsenal serves as a “reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security.” He remarked, “Considering the growing geopolitical tensions and new threats, it is vital for us to maintain modern strategic forces that are always combat-ready.” The Russian leader reiterated that nuclear weapons are seen as “the ultimate, extreme measure of ensuring its security.”

As part of the drills, the military successfully test-fired a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the Plesetsk launch pad towards the Kura testing range on the Kamchatka Peninsula. Additionally, the Novomoskovsk and Knyaz Oleg nuclear submarines executed test launches of ICBMs from the Barents Sea and the Sea of Okhotsk. Nuclear-capable Tu-95 strategic bombers also conducted practice launches of long-range cruise missiles. The Defense Ministry reported that all missiles reached their intended targets.

Last month, Putin issued a warning to the US and NATO allies, asserting that enabling Ukraine to utilize Western-supplied longer-range weapons for strikes deep within Russia would equate to NATO being at war with Russia. He reinforced this stance by announcing a new version of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, which asserts that a conventional attack on Russia by a non-nuclear nation, supported by a nuclear power, would be regarded as a joint attack on the country. This serves as a clear warning to the US and its allies.

The revised nuclear doctrine also indicates that nuclear weapons could be employed in the event of a massive air attack, leaving open the possibility of a nuclear response to any aerial assault—an ambiguity designed to deter Western actions.

Tuesday’s maneuvers are part of a series of nuclear drills conducted by Russia, including a joint exercise with Belarus earlier this year, where some of Russia’s tactical nuclear weapons are stationed.

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