Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shoigu, announced that the country has successfully tested its capability to deliver a massive retaliatory nuclear strike. The test, overseen remotely by Russian President Vladimir Putin, included ballistic missile drills involving the nation’s ground, sea, and air components of nuclear deterrent forces.
The Kremlin issued a statement, declaring, “Under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armed forces, Vladimir Putin, a training exercise was conducted with the forces and equipment of ground, sea, and air components of nuclear deterrent forces.” The statement further disclosed that practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place during the exercise.
Russian state TV aired a conversation between Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and President Putin regarding the nuclear strike test. This demonstration of military capabilities raises concerns in the international community, particularly at a time when global nuclear disarmament efforts face challenges.
The Kremlin provided additional details, explaining that the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from a test site in Russia’s far east. Simultaneously, a nuclear-powered submarine fired a ballistic missile from the Barents Sea, and Tu-95MS long-range bombers conducted test-fired air-launched cruise missiles.
In the Russian parliament, the passage of a law withdrawing Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was completed. The country’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, emphasized that Russia would not engage in discussions about nuclear issues with the United States unless Washington abandoned its “hostile” policy.
Addressing Russian lawmakers, Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov reiterated Russia’s stance, saying, “As our president said, we must be on alert, and if the United States moves towards the start of nuclear tests, we will have to respond here in the same way.”
The bill to deratify the CTBT was approved by an overwhelming vote of 156 to zero in the upper house of the Russian parliament, following unanimous approval in the lower house. The legislation now awaits Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signature.
These developments underscore a growing concern about the future of nuclear arms control and disarmament. Recent satellite images published by CNN revealed that Russia, the United States, and China have all expanded their nuclear test sites in recent years, adding further complexity to global security dynamics.
Sources By Agencies
