Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated extensive nuclear drills on Tuesday, simulating a “retaliatory strike” with missiles capable of traveling thousands of miles. These drills coincide with the Russian military’s progress toward the strategic Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, capturing several key towns, including Seledove.
Putin renewed Russia’s nuclear show of force amid heightened tensions with the West over Ukraine and as North and South Korea engage in the conflict. Speaking to Russian military leaders via video call, Putin stated that the drills are designed to simulate the decision-making process involved in deploying nuclear weapons. This includes launching ballistic and cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. Putin emphasized Russia’s nuclear arsenal as a “reliable guarantor” of the nation’s sovereignty and security.
As global tensions rise, Putin reaffirmed the need for “modern strategic forces” to be on constant standby. He noted that nuclear use would only be a “last resort” but stressed that Moscow would continue to upgrade its nuclear capabilities with faster-launch, higher-accuracy missiles to counter any defense systems.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) “Yars” from the Plesetsk site, reaching its target in Kamchatka. Nuclear submarines “Novomoskovsk” and “Knyaz Oleg” launched additional ICBMs from the Barents and Okhotsk Seas, while Tu-95 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, conducted long-range cruise missile tests, with all missiles reportedly hitting their designated targets.
Last month, Putin cautioned NATO allies that allowing Ukraine to use Western long-range weapons for strikes deep within Russia could lead to direct conflict between NATO and Russia. He further reinforced this warning by updating Russia’s nuclear doctrine, classifying any conventional attack from a non-nuclear state supported by a nuclear ally as a collective strike against Russia, targeting NATO and the U.S.
U.S. Concerns Over North Korean Troops
The Pentagon recently stated that the United States would not restrict Ukraine’s use of American weapons, even if North Korean forces join the fighting. Reports indicate 10,000 North Korean soldiers are training in eastern Russia. Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh revealed that some of these troops have moved closer to the Ukrainian border, raising concerns about their potential involvement in combat against Ukrainian forces near Russia’s Kursk region.
Although Singh declined to confirm the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk, NATO has reported North Korean military deployments in the area.
Russian Territorial Gains
Simultaneous with the nuclear drills, the Russian army announced control over the town of Seledove, which had a pre-war population of 20,000. This capture marks substantial progress toward Pokrovsk, a critical logistical hub in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. Pokrovsk also houses Ukraine’s only coal mine, crucial for steel production.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the capture of three additional towns in the area: Gernyk, Katrinivka, and Bohoyavlenka. These gains in eastern Ukraine have been strategic priorities for Putin since the war began in February 2022, with Russia recently reclaiming 478 square kilometers in Ukraine—its most significant territorial gain since March 2022.
While Ukraine attempted to divert Russian forces with an attack on Russia’s Kursk region in August, this effort appears unsuccessful, as Russia continues to advance in eastern Ukraine.
