Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw extensive drills of the nation’s strategic nuclear forces on Wednesday, which included the test-firing of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and long-range cruise missiles. The exercises, involving all components of Russia’s nuclear triad, were conducted amid the postponement of a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that a Yars ICBM was launched from the Plesetsk facility in northwestern Russia, while a Sineva ICBM was fired from a submarine in the Barents Sea. Additionally, Tu-95 strategic bombers participated in the maneuvers, demonstrating Russia’s nuclear capabilities. General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the Russian General Staff, reported to Putin via video link that the drills were designed to simulate procedures for authorizing the use of nuclear weapons. Putin, seated alone at a round table, monitored the exercises through live feeds featuring Gerasimov and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The Kremlin emphasized that the drills had been pre-planned, though they coincided with Trump’s announcement that the proposed summit in Budapest was on hold. Trump cited concerns over the meeting’s potential inefficiency, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed the need for thorough preparation to ensure productive discussions. The postponement comes as Russia remains opposed to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, and Trump’s stance on key issues in the conflict continues to evolve.
Putin directs drills of Russian nuclear forces as his summit with Trump is put on hold
