Russia’s military conducted a simulated nuclear strike in a drill Wednesday overseen by President Vladimir Putin, hours after the upper house of parliament voted to rescind the country’s ratification of a global nuclear test ban.

The bill to end ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, approved in the lower house last week, will now be sent to Putin for final approval. Putin has said that revoking Russia’s 2000 ratification would “mirror” the stance of the U.S., which signed but did not ratify the nuclear test ban.

State television showed Putin directing the exercise via video call with top military officials.

Russia’s Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu said the purpose of the drills is to practice “dealing a massive nuclear strike with strategic offensive forces in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy.”

  • Pons_Aelius@kbin.social
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    11 months ago

    actually use one…

    Never going to happen.

    While the Ukraine war is destroying the Russian military and economy, those in power are still living a pretty sweet existence and are not touched by any of it.

    But they are smart enough to know that if they push the big red button, their cushy lives and those of their families are over.