Russia holds strategic nuclear exercise

MOSCOW, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) — Russia successfully conducted a strategic nuclear exercise on Tuesday, with all missiles hitting their targets, said the Russian defense ministry.
Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the strategic nuclear exercise, which involved practical missile launches, according to the Kremlin.
The defense ministry said all objectives of the exercise were fulfilled, with all missiles reaching their targets and testifying their specified characteristics.
“Today we are conducting another exercise of strategic deterrence forces,” Putin said, adding that the army practiced the control of nuclear weapons and test-launched ballistic and cruise missiles.
“Given the growth of geopolitical tensions, the emergence of new external threats and risks, it is important to have modern strategic forces that are constantly ready for combat use,” Putin said.
The Russian leader said that in this context, the nuclear triad is a guarantor of the country’s sovereignty and security and Moscow will continue to improve and modernize its nuclear forces.
At the same time, Putin said the use of nuclear weapons is an “extreme, exceptional measure to ensure state security” and Moscow will not engage in an arms race. ■