President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday monitored drills by Russia’s strategic nuclear forces involving multiple practice launches of ballistic and cruise missiles rehearsing a “massive nuclear strike” by Russia, the Kremlin said.
Putin was briefed by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu about how the exercise intended to simulate Russia’s response to a nuclear attack on the country.
The Defense Ministry’s Zvezda military news channel showed Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov telling Putin the exercise involved the test-firing of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the northern Plesetsk launch site and the launch of a Sineva ICBM by a Russian nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea.
Russia on Wednesday test-fired a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile from the northern Plesetsk launch site as part of its annual “Grom” nuclear strike exercise. via REUTERS
This image shows the launch of Russia’s Sineva ICBM by a Russian nuclear submarine in the Barents Sea. via REUTERS
As part of the exercise, Tu-95 strategic bombers also launched cruise missiles at practice targets.
“The tasks set during the training of the strategic deterrence forces were completed in full, all missiles reached their targets,” a Kremlin statement said.
The president remotely observed the annual exercise, called “Grom,” which means “Thunder” in Russia. One of its goals is to put on a show of force to intimidate enemy forces.
The last time Russia conducted its “Grom” nuclear drill was February 19, five days before its invasion of Ukraine, reported the independent Russian news site Meduza.io.
Putin was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying the potential for conflict in the world and region remained high.
A still image from video, released by the Russian Defense Ministry, shows what it said to be Russia’s strategic nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine Tula. via REUTERS
Tu-95 strategic bombers launched cruise missiles at practice targets. via REUTERS
Russian President Vladimir Putin monitored the drills remotely. via REUTERS
The Pentagon said a day earlier that Russia had notified it of its intention to carry out the exercises at a time when NATO is rehearsing its own use of US nuclear bombs based in Europe in its annual “Steadfast Noon” war games.
The drills were held against the backdrop of growing tensions fueled by Russia’s unsubstantiated and repeated claims that Ukraine was planning to use a “dirty bomb” as part of a “false flag” attack.
Putin himself repeated the dirty bomb claim Wednesday. Shoigu also called his Chinese and Indian counterparts Wednesday to discuss it.
Kyiv and the West say there is no evidence for the allegation and that the warning could be part of Russia’s own “false flag” attack designed to serve as a justification for battlefield escalation.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, told Putin that the exercise was intended to simulate Russia’s retaliation against a nuclear attack. Russian Ministry of Defense
Western officials have expressed fear that Moscow may be tempted to use a low-yield “tactical” nuclear weapon in Ukraine to try to force Kyiv to capitulate at a time when Ukrainian forces are advancing inside the Russian-occupied Kherson province, threatening a major defeat for Moscow.
President Joe Biden warned Moscow Tuesday that such a move would be an “incredibly serious mistake.”
Putin, who will chair a Security Council meeting later Wednesday, has warned that Russia has the right to defend its own territory using “all means available” in its vast arsenal, which includes the world’s largest nuclear stockpile, but has not specifically spoken of tactical nuclear weapons.
On Tuesday, the National Guard of Ukraine released videos and images of what they said was Russian forces using phosphorus shells — prohibited by the Geneva Convention — in the Donetsk region.
Putin has accused Ukraine of plotting to use a “dirty bomb,” and said Russia has the right to defend its territories by “all means available.” ZUMAPRESS.com
This image released by Ukrainian forces purports to show Russians using banned phosphorus shells in the Donetsk region. National Guard of Ukraine/Newsfl
The National Guard quoted one of its soldiers as saying: “These projectiles are dangerous because, in addition to burning all living things, they are also extremely poisonous to the environment.”
With Post wires
Putin monitors drills simulating nuclear strike by Russia
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer