The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia conducted a test on Wednesday to assess its capabilities for a retaliatory strike using nuclear weapons.
The test involved land, sea, and air components, according to a statement from the Kremlin cited by Reuters.
Missile launches during the exercise
The statement from the Kremlin revealed that ballistic and cruise missiles were fired during the exercise.
Russian TV showed images of Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu discussing the exercise with President Vladimir Putin.
Among the tests were a missile launch from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Barents Sea and multiple cruise missile tests from a Tu-95MS long-range aircraft.
Earlier on Wednesday, the upper house of the Russian parliament recommended that the country withdraw from a 1996 agreement that prohibits nuclear tests.
The agreement has been signed by the five nuclear powers: the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France. However, neither the U.S. nor China has ratified it.
Now, only Putin's signature is needed for Russia to exit the agreement and resume nuclear testing.
