Russia Conducted Strategic Nuclear Exercise

Russia conducted a strategic nuclear exercise, launching missiles across thousands of miles to simulate a large-scale nuclear response to a potential enemy attack. The drill tested Russia's nuclear "triad"—with ground-, sea-, and air-launched missiles, including a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launched from Plesetsk to Kamchatka, and missiles from submarines and strategic bombers. Occurring at a tense phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the exercise highlights Moscow's resolve as the West considers extending military support for Kyiv. Despite Russia's nuclear posturing, Putin reiterated that nuclear weapon use would be a "last resort," while stressing upgrades to Russia's missile capabilities for improved speed and resilience. In recent months, Moscow has revised its nuclear doctrine, broadening scenarios for possible nuclear responses, and reinforcing its stance against any support for Ukraine by nuclear-armed states.