Putin Oversees Major Russian Nuclear Drill
Newsweek1 day
Russia Conducts Nuclear Drills After Putin-Trump Summit Delay
Above: A screen grab shows Russia conducting large-scale military exercises on Oct. 22, 2025. Image copyright: Russian Defense Ministry/Anadolu/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
Russia's nuclear drills represent dangerous escalation and intimidation tactics following diplomatic setbacks. Putin launched ICBMs and cruise missiles capable of striking America just one day after the Trump-Putin summit was canceled. This aggressive posturing demonstrates Russia's willingness to threaten nuclear warfare when diplomatic efforts stall.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia's nuclear exercises are regular military preparedness drills carried out alongside NATO's own nuclear deterrence exercises. Both sides are maintaining their defensive readiness while diplomatic preparations for a summit are ongoing, despite some scheduling delays. These drills are meant to ensure the readiness of military command and do not signify any escalatory threats.