The Russian military, led by President Vladimir Putin as Commander-in-Chief, conducted a training exercise for a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear attack. This was reported on the Kremlin’s official website and, separately, by Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
The Kremlin press service reported the launch of two ballistic missiles, Yars and Sineva:
The Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Plesetsk state launch site, targeting the Kura test site in Kamchatka; and the Sineva ballistic missile was launched [at the same target] from the waters of the Barents Sea. Tu-95MS long-range aircraft were involved in the missions, carrying out launches of air-launched cruise missiles.
The Kremlin press service says that all the training tasks have been fulfilled, and “all the missiles have reached their targets, confirming their set characteristics.”
A day earlier, the Pentagon announced that Russia had notified it of its plans to conduct the annual strategic nuclear exercise, Grom (“Thunder”). Its exact timing is yet unknown, but it might be tied to the NATO nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon, scheduled for October 17–30.
The last time Russia conducted its Grom nuclear drill was February 19, 2022, five days before its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian officials often repeat that, following the Russian military doctrine, Moscow may use nuclear weapons — either in response to a nuclear strike against itself or its allies, or in cases when the use of conventional weapons against Russia threatens the very existence of the Russian state.
Follow Meduza in English on Twitter to stay up to date.
Meduza survived 2024 thanks to its readers!
Let’s stick together for 2025.
The world is at a crossroads today, and quality journalism will help shape the decades to come. Real stories must be told at any cost. Please support Meduza by signing up for a recurring donation.