Russia is testing the readiness of a missile unit that forms part of its strategic nuclear forces, the defence ministry has said – with Russian officials having repeatedly raised the spectre of nuclear war over the West’s support for Ukraine.

Russia is testing the combat readiness of a unit equipped with Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in a region northwest of Moscow, news agencies quoted the defence ministry as saying on Friday.

Russia has deployed its nuclear-capable RS-24 Jars missile systems closer to NATO’s borders, raising concerns across the West. According to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense, strategic missile units are conducting intensive exercises along patrol routes that stretch up to 100 kilometers,

The Russian Ministry of Defence announced on Friday, 18th October, that it has commenced exercises with RS-24 Yars launchers in the Tver region (approximately 145 kilometres from the NATO border), according to the Defence Romania portal.