Putin launches nuclear exercise to simulate retaliatory strike, emphasizing Russia's reliance on nuclear arsenal for security.

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday launched a massive exercise of the country’s nuclear forces featuring missile launches in a simulation of a retaliatory strike, as he continued to flex the country’s nuclear muscle amid spiralling tensions with the West over Ukraine.

He said the drills will simulate top officials’ action in using nuclear weapons and include launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.

Putin emphasized on Tuesday that Russia's nuclear arsenal remains a "reliable guarantor of the country's sovereignty and security"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has launched a massive exercise of the country’s nuclear forces featuring a simulation of a retaliatory strike.