Russia displays ability to deliver massive multipronged nuclear strike

According to a Kremlin statement on Wednesday, Russia has effectively shown its capacity to launch a large nuclear strike in retaliation by land, sea, and air.

“Practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place during the training,” the statement said.

Sergei Shoigu, the minister of defence, was shown discussing the drill with Putin on state TV.

The same statement from the Kremlin claimed that test firings of air-launched cruise missiles by Tu-95MS long-range bombers, a nuclear-powered submarine, and a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile had all taken place from test sites in Russia’s far east.

The drill takes place as Russia revokes its ratification of a historic nuclear testing treaty in an effort to align itself with the United States and finds itself in what it perceives as an existential standoff with the West over Ukraine.

(With agency inputs)