Putin watches first Russian nuclear drill since invasion of Ukraineon October 26, 2022 at 2:18 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The exercises come as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine plans to use a “dirty bomb”.

Vladimir Putin observes exercises by Russia's strategic nuclear forcesImage source, Kremlin

Vladimir Putin has overseen annual nuclear exercises by Russia’s strategic nuclear forces at a time of heightened tensions with the West over his eight-month-long war in Ukraine.

Ballistic and cruise missiles were launched in the Far East and Arctic, the Kremlin said.

The US was told about the drill under the terms of the New Start arms treaty.

The launches took place as Russia makes unsubstantiated claims that Ukraine is plotting to use a “dirty bomb”.

It is an explosive device mixed with radioactive material and the Russian allegations have been widely rejected by Western countries as false.

And Kyiv has warned that the claims indicate Moscow itself could be preparing such an attack.

Ahead of the exercise, military officials in Washington pointed out that in notifying the US the Russians were complying with arms control obligations.

Nato is also staging its own nuclear exercises, dubbed Steadfast Noon, in north-western Europe.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Middlesbrough’s Beating Heart art installation made permanenton March 2, 2022 at 12:51 pm

The installation has returned to Middlesbrough's skyline after touring the country.

Ukraine crisis: Is the UK doing enough to help refugees?on March 1, 2022 at 11:22 am

How is the government helping Ukrainian refugees in the UK and in countries neighbouring Ukraine?

Robbie Williams on Glasto, kids and middle-aged spreadon September 20, 2022 at 11:27 am

The musician looks back at 25 years as a solo artist and ponders what might come next.The musician looks back at 25 years as...

Huge crowds expected for Liverpool parade despite defeaton May 29, 2022 at 8:29 am

Thousands are due to welcome the club home later despite their Champions League final loss.

Celta Vigo striker Santi Mina given four-year prison sentence for sexual abuseon May 4, 2022 at 12:09 pm

Celta Vigo striker Santi Mina is sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of sexual abuse.