Moscow/Kyiv: As the Russia-Ukraine war escalates, nuclear drills have begun in Russia under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu informed that in the first phase of the exercise, Russia’s “Strategic Nuclear Forces” tested intercontinental and ballistic missiles from the Arctic region, northern Russia and the Far East region. The ‘nuclear drills’ were held for the first time after Russia launched a military campaign in Ukraine.  

The Russia-Ukraine war has completed almost eight months, and during this period, Russia has managed to gain control over four regions of Ukraine. It includes Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. President Putin had warned that Russia had annexed these regions and would use all available systems for their security. While issuing this warning, Putin mentioned the nuclear attack and warned it was ‘not a bluff’. After Putin’s statement, the West alleged that Russia would launch a nuclear attack on Ukraine. Also, the United States and NATO warned Russia of severe consequences.  

Against the possibility of a potential nuclear attack from Russia, NATO had also initiated a ‘nuclear exercise’ in Northern Europe. This NATO exercise will continue till October 30th. Moreover, Russia is believed to have demonstrated its strength by organizing ‘nuclear drills’ during this period. During the drills held on Wednesday, Russia tested the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) ‘Yars’ and the ballistic missile ‘Sineva’. Some missiles were also launched from the far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, but the names of the missiles were not disclosed. Besides, Russia’s Tu-95 strategic bombers also practised missile strikes.  

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the exercise was intended to simulate the Russian Strategic Forces’ response to a nuclear attack by an enemy country. The defence minister also said that all the planned objectives were achieved during the exercise. After the start of the military campaign in Ukraine, Russia tested an advanced nuclear weapon called ‘Sarmat’. After that, Russia announced that the production of this nuclear weapon had begun and that this missile would be included in the Russian defence forces by the year’s end.  

Meanwhile, Russia has carried out airstrikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Many buildings and infrastructure in Kyiv are said to have been damaged in these attacks. Ukraine informed that apart from Kyiv, the Ukrainian positions in Zaporizhzhia also came under Russian attack. Moreover, Ukraine has admitted that the ongoing conflict for the city of Bakhmut in Donbas has intensified and is finding it difficult to hold off the onslaught of the Russian forces. At the same time, Ukraine also said because of the increased Russian deployment in Kherson and certain other reasons, its counter-attacks have also slowed down. 

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