Moscow, [30-10-2024] 12:30

In a significant escalation of military readiness, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the country’s nuclear forces to be placed on high alert. This directive comes amid escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and increasing geopolitical friction with the West.

Putin Puts Nuclear Forces on High Alert Amid Rising Tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a new strategic nuclear training exercise on Tuesday, stating that top officials would review the control of nuclear ballistic and cruise missile launches. “Today we are conducting another exercise of strategic deterrence forces,” Putin said in a video clip released by the Kremlin.

The order includes the commencement of military drills that will involve the launch of both ballistic and cruise missiles.

These exercises are designed to demonstrate Russia’s nuclear capabilities and its readiness to respond to perceived threats.

Putin’s announcement highlights a broader strategy aimed at showcasing Russia’s military strength, particularly in light of NATO’s support for Ukraine.

The drills are intended to reaffirm Russia’s ability to deploy nuclear weapons swiftly and effectively, which is a crucial aspect of its defense strategy.

This latest move has raised alarm among Western nations, heightening concerns about the potential for increased aggression from Russia and its implications for global security. As the situation develops, international leaders are closely monitoring the situation, with calls for diplomatic solutions growing more urgent.

“Russia Stands with You”

• In his address on Thursday, President Putin framed the ongoing conflict with Ukraine as an existential struggle against “Nazism,” a narrative he has consistently promoted.
• “We honor the memory of civilians who have fallen victim to barbaric shelling and terrorist attacks by neo-Nazis,” he stated. “Those on the front lines—on the line of contact—are our heroes. We salute your steadfastness, self-sacrifice, and selflessness. All of Russia stands with you,” he affirmed.

“We Will Win”

Russia frequently invites representatives from countries it considers “friendly” to its events, although attendance has declined since the deployment of troops to Ukraine in early 2022 amid ongoing tensions with the West.

At Thursday’s parade, nine world leaders were present, including the heads of former Soviet republics: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with leaders from Cuba, Laos, and Guinea-Bissau.

At 71, Putin has been in power since the early 2000s, recently securing a new six-year mandate in elections that lacked genuine opposition. Russia’s military successfully resisted a much-anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensive last year and has since made advances on the front lines, even as Kyiv grapples with ammunition and manpower shortages.

The celebrations occurred just two days after Putin promised at a lavish inauguration to bring “victory” to the Russian people. “We are a united and great nation,” he declared. “Together, we will overcome all obstacles, achieve our goals, and we will win.”

Healines:

Putin: Nuclear Weapons as Last Resort

President Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons would only be used as a last resort.

Comprehensive Nuclear Drill

The exercise involved Russia’s entire nuclear triad, showcasing ground, sea, and air missile capabilities.

NATO Observes North Korean Troops

NATO has reported the presence of North Korean troops in western Russia, raising further concerns.

U.S. officials report that there has been no change in Russia’s nuclear deployment posture since the onset of the war. However, in 2022, the United States expressed significant concern over the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons by Russia, leading to warnings from CIA Director Bill Burns about the consequences of such actions.

On Tuesday,

Russia conducted test firings of missiles over distances of thousands of miles to simulate a “massive” nuclear response to a potential enemy first strike.

“Given the increasing geopolitical tensions and the rise of new external threats, it is crucial to maintain modern and always-ready strategic forces,” President Vladimir Putin stated while announcing the exercise. This demonstration comes at a pivotal time in the Russia-Ukraine war, following weeks of Russian warnings to the West that Moscow would respond if the U.S. and its allies permit Kyiv to launch longer-range missiles deep into Russian territory.