SpaceWar.com reports: “Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw ballistic missile drills Wednesday, the Kremlin said, with Moscow’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announcing forces will practise a ‘massive’ retaliatory nuclear strike.

The exercises came after Moscow moved to revoke a key nuclear test ban treaty, 20 months into Russia’s Ukraine offensive.

During the dragging conflict, Putin and Russian officials have given mixed signals about the possible use of nuclear weapons, prompting alarm in the West.

Russian state television showed the longtime leader being briefed by Shoigu and armed forces chief Valery Gerasimov, who spoke by video link.

‘Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief,’ Sergei said, addressing Putin.

‘Training is being conducted to direct the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, during which the task of delivering a massive nuclear strike by strategic offensive forces in retaliation to an enemy nuclear strike will be practised.’

It was not clear from Shoigu’s comments if the test had already taken place.

The Kremlin said ballistic missiles had been fired in the Russian Far North…”