Putin Oversees Nuclear Drills in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw nuclear exercises Wednesday as part of annual drills featuring Russia's nuclear firepower and military equipment.

Key Quotes: "A training session was held with ground, sea and air strategic deterrence forces, during which practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles took place," the Kremlin said in a statement. Russia's defense minister said the drills simulated "a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear attack."

For Context: A successful Ukrainian counteroffensive in recent weeks has sparked escalations from Russia. Iranian-made attack drones struck apartments in Kyiv, hundreds of thousands of Russian reservists were called up, and civilians are now being drafted and sent to the front lines.

How the Media Covered it: Left- and right-rated sources tended to cover the story with more sensationalism than center-rated sources and foreign outlets. The Kyiv Independent noted prominently that the "routine" Russian nuclear drills happen annually, and that "Moscow had reportedly informed the United States in advance."