Russia on Wednesday conducted major nuclear weapons drills, just one day after the United States delayed the planned Putin-Trump summit in Hungary, further escalating global tensions over the Ukraine war.
The Kremlin released footage showing General Valery Gerasimov, head of the Russian General Staff, briefing President Vladimir Putin on the exercise.
The training included simulated launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), capable of striking targets across continents, including the United States.
At several points during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Putin has invoked Russia’s nuclear strength as a warning to Kyiv and its Western allies.
The latest drills come as NATO conducts its own nuclear deterrence exercises, adding to global concerns of an arms escalation.
Putin and US President Donald Trump had agreed last week to hold a high-level peace summit in Hungary, aimed at breaking the deadlock in the Ukraine conflict.
But after a tense round of diplomatic calls on Monday, the White House confirmed Trump had no immediate plans to meet Putin, with Trump saying he “did not want a wasted meeting.”
Despite Washington’s postponement, Moscow insists preparations for the summit are ongoing.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that while “the dates haven’t been set yet,” careful groundwork was required before such a meeting could take place.
The diplomatic setback followed renewed disputes over Russia’s peace demands.
According to three diplomatic sources, Moscow had repeated its insistence that Kyiv surrender full control of the Donbas region, rejecting Trump’s earlier suggestion that both sides hold their current positions along existing front lines.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told state media RIA that the summit preparations were “continuing” and that there were “no major obstacles.”
He acknowledged the process was “difficult,” but added, “that’s precisely what diplomats are for.”
Meanwhile, violence flared again overnight as Russia and Ukraine exchanged heavy missile fire.
Ukrainian authorities reported six deaths, including two children, following strikes on Kyiv and nearby areas, which also triggered nationwide power outages.
Military analysts say Moscow’s nuclear drills were a clear message to Washington, signaling that Russia remains ready to project power while negotiations stall.
The timing of the exercises just hours after Trump’s decision to delay the summit suggests a deliberate show of defiance.
The drills also highlight the fragile state of global diplomacy, as both superpowers struggle to balance military pressure with political dialogue.
Western officials fear that without concrete progress toward a ceasefire, further military posturing could push Europe closer to a prolonged standoff.