Russian defence ministry has said it practiced the electronic launch of missiles as part of a second stage of drills on how to deploy tactical nuclear weapons.
The defence ministry in a statement noted that the drills were part of the second stage of the exercises of non-strategic nuclear forces, where personnel of a Leningrad Military District missile unit worked out combat training tasks and carried out electronic missile launches against conditional enemy targets.
Footage released by the defence ministry showed Russian sailors focusing on a dummy target and then counting down to launch, including pressing the “launch” button, while the personnel involved in the exercise navy crews carried out sea trips to the designated patrol area.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the drills after what Russia said were threats from the West, including signals from Western officials that they would allow Ukraine to strike deep into Russia with Western weapons.
