By Grayson Quay The Week

Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the order Saturday for his country’s military to begin a series of drills involving its nuclear arsenal, Reuters reports.

According to The New York Times, the exercises will include ballistic and cruise missile launches as well as nuclear-capable bombers and warships from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

Russia has conducted extensive military exercises along Ukraine’s border, in the Black Sea, and in neighboring Belarus in recent weeks. Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that Russia had flown two Tu-22M3 nuclear-capable bombers over Belarus.

According to the Arms Control Association, Russia possesses more than 6,000 nuclear warheads.

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