President Vladimir Putin has overseen extensive drills involving Russia’s strategic nuclear forces, including simulated missile launches and strategic bomber sorties. These exercises were conducted as a planned meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, focused on the Ukrainian crisis, was put on hold.
The Russian military confirmed that the exercises tested the readiness and command protocols of its entire nuclear triad. A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Plesetsk, while a Sineva ICBM was fired from a strategic submarine in the Barents Sea. Concurrently, Tu-95 strategic bombers engaged in long-range cruise missile launches.
According to Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the drills were designed to meticulously rehearse the procedures for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons, with President Putin receiving updates via video link. The timing of these maneuvers is significant, occurring just hours after President Trump announced the postponement of his planned summit in Budapest. Trump cited the need for thorough preparation to ensure productivity, a sentiment echoed by Kremlin officials. The delay followed discussions between top diplomats where Russia’s opposition to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine was reportedly communicated.