What's happened
On October 18, 2024, Russia began military drills involving Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles, coinciding with NATO's nuclear exercises. President Putin has lowered the threshold for nuclear weapon use, citing perceived threats to Russia's sovereignty amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Rachel Hagan from The Independent, the drills involve Yars missiles capable of reaching U.S. cities, emphasizing Russia's nuclear capabilities amid NATO exercises. Hagan notes that Putin has revised the nuclear doctrine, effectively lowering the threshold for use. In contrast, Metro highlights that these drills are part of a broader strategy to deter Western intervention in Ukraine, with analysts warning of potential nuclear tests if provoked. The Independent also reports on Ukraine's criticism of Russia's nuclear threats as 'saber-rattling,' indicating a complex interplay of military posturing and diplomatic tensions.
How we got here
Russia's military posture has intensified amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. President Putin has emphasized the importance of Russia's nuclear arsenal as a deterrent against NATO's conventional military superiority, revising nuclear doctrine to lower the threshold for potential use.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 30 North American and European countries.