Russia Tests Yars Missiles Amid NATO Drills

Russia is conducting tests of its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile unit in the Tver region, as tensions with the West escalate in the context of the Ukraine conflict. The Yars missiles, capable of striking U.S. cities and delivering multiple nuclear warheads, are part of Russia's strategic deterrence strategy amidst NATO's recent nuclear exercises. President Vladimir Putin has indicated a lower threshold for nuclear weapons use, citing scenarios of perceived threats to Russian sovereignty. The exercises include practicing missile movement under camouflage and protection against air attacks, reinforcing Moscow's military readiness. Analysts view these drills as efforts to deter further Western involvement in Ukraine, while Ukraine accuses Russia of nuclear blackmail. The ongoing nuclear posturing highlights the fragile state of arms control and escalates concerns of potential nuclear testing by Russia.