NEW: Putin Says Russia Is Holding Strategic Nuclear Drills.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has conducted strategic nuclear drills, including the test-firing of a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) โ a weapon capable of striking targets over 11,000 kilometers away.
The exercise, overseen by Russiaโs Strategic Missile Forces, was part of a series of drills aimed at testing the countryโs nuclear readiness amid heightened global tensions. The Yars ICBM, one of the cornerstones of Moscowโs nuclear arsenal, can carry multiple warheads and is designed to evade modern missile defense systems.
The Kremlin described the test as a โscheduled and routineโ measure to ensure the reliability of Russiaโs strategic deterrent. However, the move comes at a time of escalating geopolitical strain between Moscow and Western powers, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and NATOโs increasing military coordination in Eastern Europe.
Video released by the Russian Defense Ministry reportedly showed the Yars missile launching from a mobile platform, streaking into the sky as part of what officials called a โsuccessful demonstration of combat readiness.โ
Western analysts view the test as a calculated show of strength, reinforcing Russiaโs message that its strategic capabilities remain fully operational and modernized.
