Russia is launching large-scale exercises of its strategic nuclear forces ahead of US President Joe Biden's visit to Europe, the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate has said.
The preparation of strategic nuclear forces components for the launch of sea- and land-based ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles has been confirmed. In preparation for the exercise, the Monolith centralized combat control system was tested.
In particular, the combat control channels were tested, the strategic nuclear forces' capabilities were put on higher levels of combat readiness, the crew of a strategic missile submarine was given a combat order to enter the launch area, and 24-hour combat readiness for use was maintained.
An auxiliary control centre for the long-range aviation command has also been deployed at the Tambov air base.
"Such actions of the military and political leadership of the Russian Federation, in particular, are an attempt to prevent Joe Biden's visit to Europe, scheduled for 20-22 February, through direct nuclear blackmail and to weaken international support for Ukraine," the Ukrainian intelligence explained.
US President Joe Biden will visit Poland on 20-22 February. He will meet his Polish counterpart and the leaders of the Bucharest Nine.