Simulating Retaliatory Strikes
Russia has initiated extensive exercises of its nuclear forces, showcasing test launches in a simulated retaliatory strike. Defence Minister Andrei Belousov emphasized that the drills are designed to practice a massive nuclear response to an enemy attack.
Strategic Justifications
President Putin attributed the exercises to the “emergence of new external threats,” highlighting the necessity of modern, ready-to-use strategic forces. The drills featured test-fires of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) from various platforms, including submarines and strategic bombers.
Escalating Geopolitical Tensions
These military maneuvers occur amidst heightened tensions with the West, particularly regarding the potential use of Western-supplied weapons by Ukraine against Russia. Putin previously warned that such actions could lead to NATO being in direct conflict with Russia.
Revised Nuclear Doctrine
Putin announced a new nuclear doctrine that views a conventional attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear state, as a joint attack. With this shift, the doctrine introduces the potential for nuclear response in the event of a large-scale aerial assault, increasing ambiguity in deterrence strategies.
Calls for De-escalation
In light of this development, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb urged China to play a role in de-escalating tensions, stressing the difficulty of trusting Putin regarding nuclear weapons.
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