Putin does this days before NATO Summit in DC

Russia’s Defence Ministry said on Friday it was conducting drills involving Yars mobile nuclear missile launchers, less than a month after it held tactical nuclear weapons deployment exercises alongside ally and Ukraine neighbor, Belarus. It should be noted that Russia is adamantly opposed to Ukraine joining NATO and being able to trigger Article Five. Article Five means if one member is attacked, they are all considered under attack.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said today it was conducting drills involving Yars mobile nuclear missile launchers, less than a month after it held tactical nuclear weapons deployment exercises alongside ally Belarus.

The ministry said Yars missile launcher crews in at least two different regions were set to move over 100 kilometres (62 miles) and practice camouflage and deployment.

It published video showing a mobile launcher maanoeuvering along forest roads and taking up position before troops covered it in camouflage netting.

These newest drills with mobile nuclear launchers also constitute a bit of fresh nuclear saber-rattling ahead of next week’s major annual NATO summit to be held in Washington D.C. (July 9-11).

Putin is sending a message: Do not allow Ukraine to join NATO.