Putin launches nuclear training exercises using ‘ballistic and cruise missiles’ in a warning to the West – London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Vladimir Putin is overseeing another strategic nuclear training exercise which includes the “practical launched of ballistic and cruise missiles.”

This has been described as an “extremely exceptional measure” by Putin and nuclear weapons are ready to be used when needed, in what appears to be yet another warning to Ukraine’s allies.

Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said on Tuesday that Russia’s training exercise is to simulate a “massive nuclear strike” in response to a first strike.

Since Putin invaded Ukraine nuclear tensions have escalated at rate never before seen not even since the Cold War.

Putin said on Tuesday, “Today, we are conducting another exercise of the strategic [nuclear] deterrence forces. We will practice the actions of officials in managing the use of nuclear weapons, including the practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles.

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“I emphasise that we are not seeking to engage in a new arms race.

“However, we will maintain our nuclear forces at the level of necessary sufficiency.”

This is the second time nuclear exercises of this type has been conducted since the 18 October drills in the Tver region where Putin’s forces used the Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles also known as “city killers” as they can reach to almost anywhere in the world.

During a video call with Russia’s top military leaders, Putin insisted Russia’s nuclear arsenal is a “reliable guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security.

“Taking into account growing geopolitical tensions and emerging new threats and risks, it’s important for us to have modern strategic forces that are always ready for combat.

We will work out the actions of officials to control the use of nuclear weapons with practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles.”

These nuclear drills come as Putin warned that Russia will “react accordingly” should the West allow Kyiv to launch long-range weapons to strike the Russian Federation.

The Russian dictator said such an attack will be an “act of war” by NATO, “Our military department is thinking about this and will offer various options.”

Putin was asked by Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin, has the West listened to your previous warnings allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons, “In your opinion, did they hear your words, your signals?”

Putin said, “They didn’t tell me anything about this, but I hope they heard, because, of course, we will have to make some decisions for ourselves too. The point is not whether someone will be allowed or not allowed to use this weapon against Russia….. Ukrainian troops cannot use these weapons on their own.

“We understand this – specialists are needed who will enter flight missions based on this reconnaissance data and perform a whole series of other actions. The Ukrainian army cannot do this on its own. Therefore, what is happening now is all being done by NATO officers.

“The only question is whether they will allow themselves to strike deep into Russian territory or not. That is the question. And, naturally, we will have to react to this accordingly. How to react, when, where exactly, well, it is too early to talk about this.

“But, of course, our military department [Russian defence ministry] is thinking about this and will offer various options for answers.”