Russia has conducted large-scale nuclear training drills, featuring missile launches from land, sea, and air, including intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States. This show of force came just a day after the US postponed a planned second summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Kremlin released video footage of General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff, briefing President Putin on the exercises. In a further escalation of military activity, Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed its long-range Tu-22M3 strategic bombers flew over the Baltic Sea, where they were shadowed by fighter jets from foreign—presumably NATO—states.
Diplomatic Uncertainty
Despite earlier optimism for talks in Hungary, the White House announced that President Trump currently has “no plans to meet Putin in the immediate future.” Trump told reporters he didn’t want to have a “wasted meeting.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the summit dates were still under discussion, requiring detailed preparation. The delay follows reports that Moscow has stood firm on its long-standing condition for peace: Ukraine must relinquish control over the entire southeastern Donbas region.
Broader Tensions
The war in Ukraine has now lasted for over three years and eight months. Putin has repeatedly used reminders of Russia’s nuclear capability as a warning to Kyiv and its Western allies. The drills also coincide with NATO conducting its own nuclear deterrence exercises this month.
Adding to the tension, Sweden announced its intention to supply Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine as European governments work to bolster Kyiv’s defenses. Trump, now nine months into his second term, has pushed for an end to the conflict but has yet to impose additional sanctions.
