Russia-NATO ‘nuclear war’ soon? Moscow releases threatening missile launch video, Europe on target?

Fresh footage released during Russia’s latest strategic exercises shows Russia deploying nuclear-capable Iskander-K missile launchers in joint drills with Belarus, intensifying fears of a deeper confrontation with NATO. Videos from the drills showed attack helicopters escorting missile convoys into forested launch zones where troops practised simulated cruise missile strikes under “aggressive” combat scenarios. According to Russia’s defence ministry, personnel are rehearsing nuclear deployment procedures and long-range strike missions aimed at targets across Europe using terrain-hugging cruise missiles designed to evade radar systems. The exercises are part of wider three-day strategic nuclear drills involving Russia’s broader nuclear triad, including submarines, bombers and land-based missile forces. Analysts say Vladimir Putin is using the drills to signal Moscow’s nuclear readiness to Western powers amid rising tensions over the war in Ukraine.