Russia to conduct new strategic nuclear exercises..."Practicing a large-scale retaliatory nuclear attack"

Russia conducted a large-scale nuclear attack drill on the orders of President Vladimir Putin on the 29th local time.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said the exercise was a "strategic attack force" exercise in response to enemy nuclear attacks.

All three nuclear forces, consisting of ground, sea and air-launched missiles, were mobilized for the training.

Ministry of Defence launches intercontinental Yars ballistic missile from northwestern Plesetsk space station to Far East Kamchatka Peninsula,
The
submarine test-fired Cineva and Bulava ballistic missiles, while the nuclear-armed Tu-95 strategic bomber test-fired long-range cruise missiles, it said.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that all launched missiles had reached designated targets.

Bellowsov added that Russia is shifting to a new fixed and mobile-based missile system that can shorten launch preparation times and overcome missile defense systems.

Putin had earlier ordered strategic nuclear exercises, saying he had "no intention of getting into a new arms race" but would "maintain nuclear capabilities to the necessary level."

He also stressed that "the use of nuclear weapons is an extreme and exceptional measure to ensure national security."

Putin announced last month that he would revise the doctrine on the use of nuclear weapons, saying that if he helps those who threaten Russia, he will be considered an attacker.