Last Update:29 October 2024 22:17 IST

Russia conducted its nuclear tests at a test site on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula.

This excerpt from a statement image published by the Russian Ministry of Defense shows the launch of the Yars intercontinental ballistic missile during exercises of strategic deterrent forces. (IMAGE: AFP)

Russia said Tuesday that its military is conducting new nuclear drills under the supervision of President Vladimir Putin, who recently called for changes to the rules on the use of Moscow’s nuclear deterrent.

Putin has repeatedly raised the possibility of Moscow using nuclear weapons during its attack on Ukraine and last month suggested Russia expand its rules on the use of nuclear weapons.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said that “a training exercise was held with the forces and facilities of the land, sea and aviation elements of the strategic deterrent force” and “an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched”.

The ministry said the missile was launched from a test range on the far eastern Kamchatka peninsula.

Other missiles were launched from a submarine in the Barents Sea in the Arctic and the Sea of ​​Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East.

The ministry said the exercises were carried out successfully and the missiles “reached their targets”.

The TASS news industry published images of a missile launched at the Plesetsk cosmodrome in Russia’s Far North.

In September, Putin proposed that Moscow change its nuclear doctrine to allow for a nuclear response in the event of a “major” air strike.

Under the proposed rules, Russia would treat any attack by a non-nuclear country supported by a nuclear power as a joint attack by both, referring to Ukraine.

The plans come as Ukraine seeks permission to use long-range missiles against Russia, which has so far been met with reluctance from the United States.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)