Russia launches nuclear drills at peak of tension with NATO

The Russian Ministry of Defense has shared new footage regarding the comprehensive nuclear exercises launched within the country and on Belarusian territory. In the footage, it is observed that mobile Iskander-M missile systems are being equipped with nuclear warheads and moved to launch positions, with vehicles moving in convoys through natural terrain in a camouflaged manner.

In a statement made by military officials, it was noted that the exercises began on Tuesday and will last for three days, emphasizing that the main theme of the drills is to bring units to the highest level of readiness for the use of nuclear weapons.

It was reported that the exercises are being conducted with forces stationed both in various regions of Russia and in Belarus. In this context, it was stated that launch procedures for Russian tactical nuclear weapons located on Belarusian soil would also be rehearsed as part of the drills.

It was learned that a total of 64 thousand soldiers, more than 200 missile launchers, 140 military aircraft, 73 warships, and 13 submarines are involved in the exercises.

Moments showing Russian convoys transporting warheads while taking security precautions as they advanced through wooded areas and being dispatched to launch points were reflected in the shared footage. Furthermore, it was reported that the transported warheads could be both nuclear and conventional, and that Iskander-M systems are capable of carrying such warheads with a range of approximately 500 kilometers.

Taking place while the war in Ukraine continues and in an atmosphere where relations between NATO and Moscow have further deteriorated, these exercises are interpreted by military experts as an attempt by Russia to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capacity to the West.

News Source: 12punto