Russia launches massive drills of its nuclear forces

Russia said it launched a massive drill of its strategic nuclear forces on Saturday. The exercises involve multiple practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, the Defence Ministry said, with footage showing missiles being launched from a nuclear submarine.

According to the Ministry, Presidents of Russia and Belarus observed the drills from the Ministry's situation room. Russia says it planned the maneuvers some time ago to check the readiness of Russia's military command and personnel, as well as the reliability of its nuclear and conventional weapons.