Russia notifies US of intention to conduct annual nuclear drill
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Washington confirmed Tuesday that Russia has notified the US of its intention to carry out its annual nuclear force exercises, Euronews reports. Russia is obliged under the New START Treaty to give advance notice of nuclear missile launch drills.
Confirming Russia’s notification of its planned drills, US Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters: “The US was notified, and, as we’ve highlighted before, this is a routine annual exercise by Russia.”
While Russia’s announced exercises are understood to be routine, this year’s drill is being conducted as President Vladimir Putin continues his invasion of Ukraine amid veiled threats of using nuclear force if Russia is resisted too strongly.
NATO allies have nevertheless said they are confident they can tell the difference between a Russian routine nuclear drill and any intention of Putin’s to actually activate an atomic bomb in Ukraine, Euronews said.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement that such notifications as Russia has given are important.
“While Russia engages in unprovoked aggression and reckless nuclear rhetoric, these notification measures do ensure we’re not taken by surprise and reduce the risks of misperception,” Price said.