Putin's Big Ultimatum To West As Russia Holds 'Surprise' Nuclear Wargames

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently oversaw nuclear force drills, practicing ballistic and cruise missile launches while reiterating Russia’s stance on nuclear deterrence as essential to national security. In a videoconference with military leaders, Putin emphasized that nuclear weapons would only be used in extreme cases but warned that Russia’s nuclear triad is a powerful shield for maintaining sovereignty. Putin also cautioned Western nations against providing Ukraine with longer-range weapons, noting Russia’s nuclear doctrine now considers any large-scale attack with conventional forces as grounds for nuclear response.