Moscow reports simulation of nuclear attack Exercise on ballistic missiles

Observers warn that President Putin is trying to use propaganda on state television to make the use of nuclear weapons palatable to the Russian population. According to the Kremlin, the army is now practicing the "electronic launch" of ballistic missile systems with nuclear weapons in Kaliningrad.

[link to www.n-tv.de (secure)]

Russian forces in Kaliningrad have simulated attacks with nuclear-capable missiles amid the offensive in Ukraine, according to Moscow sources. As part of an exercise, around a hundred soldiers simulated the "electronic launch" of mobile ballistic missile systems with Iskander-type nuclear weapons, the Defense Ministry said. The armed forces practiced attacks on military targets of an imaginary enemy and how to respond to a counterattack.

Since the start of the military operation in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated his readiness to use Russia's tactical nuclear weapons. In late February, Russia put its nuclear forces on high alert. The Kremlin chief also warned of "rapid" retaliation if the West intervened directly in the Ukraine conflict.

According to observers, Russian state television has been trying in recent days to make the use of nuclear weapons palatable to the public. "For two weeks we have been hearing on our TV screens that the nuclear silos should be opened," Russian journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov said on Tuesday. "And we also hear that if arms shipments to Ukraine continue, these terrible weapons should be used."