Putin Personally Leads Nuclear Drills in Message to NATO

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed his commitment to using nuclear weapons if deemed necessary to "effectively protect Russia and its citizens."

Putin Joins Nuclear Drills

On October 29, Putin led strategic deterrence drills, including ballistic and cruise missile launches, sending a message to the U.S. and NATO allies involved in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

According to Alexander Bartosh, a member of Russia’s Academy of Military Sciences, these drills serve as a clear warning to Western nations over what Russia sees as escalating threats from NATO, according to URA.

"We will work on the practical use of nuclear weapons with missile launches to ensure security, while affirming our principle that nuclear use is an extreme measure,” Putin said at the start of the exercises.

He also underscored Russia’s nuclear triad — a combination of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers — as a "reliable guarantor of Russia’s sovereignty and global stability."

Further Upgrades on the Way

In response to rising global tensions and perceived external threats, Putin emphasized the need for a modern, combat-ready strategic force, though he denied any intent to spark a new arms race.

According to Bartosh, the exercise also serves to emphasize Russia's readiness to counter NATO provocations.

The expert highlighted that, in Putin’s view, NATO’s provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine — especially if used on Russian targets — could be interpreted as direct involvement in aggression, potentially leading to counter-strikes against NATO facilities.

The latest Russian nuclear drills showcase 94% of the nation’s strategic weapons in their modernized form. These newer systems boast greater accuracy, faster launch preparation, and enhanced capabilities to overcome missile defense systems.

Putin also announced that Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces will be further upgraded with next-generation stationary and mobile missile complexes, designed for quick deployment and increased effectiveness.