Vladimir Putin oversees massive nuke exercise 'including launches of ballistic missiles'

Vladimir Putin oversaw nuclear exercises today. (Image: GETTY/east2west)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has overseen an extensive strategic nuclear exercise today from the Kremlin, Russian media has said.

During the exercise, Putin said: "Today, we are conducting another exercise of the strategic [nuclear] deterrence forces. We will practice the actions of officials in managing the use of nuclear weapons, including the practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles."

"I emphasise that we are not seeking to engage in a new arms race," the Russian President said, adding, "However, we will maintain our nuclear forces at the level of necessary sufficiency."

It appears to be just the latest warning to Ukraine's allies of the destructive power Russia commands.

NATO members, including Britain, Germany and the US, have provided Kyiv with billions of pounds worth of military equipment and ammunition since Putin's invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022 while condemning the aggression.

Ukraine: Bradley IFVs and Abrams tank engage Russian positions

These packages of support have brought stern warnings to Kyiv's allies from the Kremlin not to get involved in the conflict.

Putin has also suggested the use of nuclear weapons could be on the table to deter those who support Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's forces.

In September, the Kremlin leader said the country was considering changing its military doctrine to look at an attack from a state without a nuclear arsenal, like Ukraine, that was backed by nuclear power as a "joint attack", a position that would put the likes of the US and the UK under threat.

His comments came as Kyiv sought approval from the allies to use long-range Western missiles to target military deep within Russia, something the US has so far resisted, fearing an escalation.

In an interview with Russian propagandist Pavel Zarubin, Putin claimed Western approval for these strikes would mean direct involvement of NATO countries in the war in Ukraine, as carrying out long-range strikes would involve the use of the military alliance's infrastructure, as per European Pravda.

Putin wouldn't be drawn on how Russia would react to such a decision but warned that Moscow would "have to" respond.

"Of course, we will have to respond to this appropriately," he told Zarubin, adding: "How to respond, when, where exactly – it's too early to say. It is clear that our military department is working on this and will offer various options for responses," the Russian President added.

The European Union has said that Putin's new nuclear threats wouldn't deter members of the bloc from continuing to support Ukraine.