Russia’s nuclear forces began a special exercise today after receiving orders from President Vladimir Putin. The move comes at a critical point in the Ukraine war after senior officials in Moscow described it as the “most difficult phase”.
This is the second such military exercise initiated by Putin in a fortnight and the Western-led NATO alliance is still unsure how to deal with the escalating situation. The rise in tensions began when Western powers, led by the US, were planning to allow Ukraine to use long-range ballistic missiles to target areas inside Russia.
Moscow has made it clear to the ‘West’ that if any such step was taken by Ukraine with the support of the West, Russia would consider using its nuclear weapons to defend the motherland.
The Kremlin has said its updated nuclear doctrine, approved by Putin last month, would allow Moscow to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear countries, should be seen as a warning to the West.
“We will work on the actions of the authorities to control the use of nuclear weapons with the practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles,” President Putin said today as he launched nuclear weapons exercises.
“We will work on actions of the authorities to control the use of nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles,” President Putin said in a clip of the launch. The use of nuclear weapons would be an “extremely extraordinary measure,” he said, “but they must be kept ready for use.”
However, Putin said that “We are not going to engage in a new arms race, but we will maintain nuclear forces at the level of necessary adequacy.”
What does the ‘West’ say?
NATO has criticized Russia over reports that North Korea has sent troops to western parts of the country to fight in Ukraine.
The Pentagon has said North Korea is sending at least 10,000 troops to Russia, while Ukraine’s Zelensky claims the number could be as high as 12,000.
Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters, “We believe the DPRK has sent a total of about 10,000 troops to eastern Russia for training, potentially increasing Russian forces near Ukraine over the next several weeks.” Will give.”
Sabrina Singh said, “A portion of those troops have already moved closer to Ukraine, and we are concerned that Russia could use these troops in combat or to support combat operations against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Oblast.” Intends to.”
Vladimir Putin has said that what Russia plans to do about its defense is entirely “a Russian affair”. He also said that if Ukraine decided to join NATO, Russia could also choose to do “whatever it wants.”
Nuclear practice today, nuclear war tomorrow?
The Russian Army has started its latest exercise today. It follows a similar exercise that took place in the country’s Tver region, located northwest of Moscow. Among other equipment used, there was also a unit equipped with Yars Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles, or ICBMs, which are capable of attacking every corner of the US.
Russia is the world’s largest nuclear power. Russia and the US together control 88% of the world’s nuclear weapons. Vladimir Putin, who portrays the West as a decadent aggressor, and US President Joe Biden, who portrays Russia as a corrupt autocratic regime, have both warned that a direct Russia-NATO confrontation would lead to conflict in the Third World. Could turn into war. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has also warned of the danger of nuclear war.
“Given the growing geopolitical tensions and the emergence of new external threats and risks, it is important to have modern and ready-to-use strategic forces,” Putin said. He said Russia was moving toward new “stationary and mobile-based missiles.” Systems” that have short launch preparation time and can overcome missile defense systems.
The Pentagon has said, “The United States will not impose any new limits on Ukraine’s use of American weapons if North Korea engages in war with Russia.”
