Russia to conduct nuclear exercise amidst Ukraine-NATO tensions
Tension on Ukraine issue is increasing every moment. Russia on Friday announced a major exercise of its strategic nuclear force. On Saturday, President Vladimir Putin himself will visit and watch the exercise. The exercise will see the firing of inter-continental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.
Russia’s announcement comes nearly two weeks after activating military personnel related to nuclear weapons operations. According to defense experts, nuclear weapons are not expected to be used in the Ukraine war. But Russia is activating its nuclear arsenal to prevent interference from America and Europe. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian President’s Kremlin office, has said that President Putin will oversee the strategic nuclear force exercise from the Situation Room of the Defense Ministry. During this time missiles will also be released. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, this is an exercise to test the readiness of the country’s nuclear capability.
Demand to withdraw NATO missiles from Eastern and Central Europe
The rejection of Russia’s security proposal by the US and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) has increased tensions in the region and threatens a Russian attack on Ukraine. In this security proposal, Russia had sought assurance of Ukraine not joining NATO and demanded the withdrawal of NATO missiles from Eastern and Central Europe.
