Russia says it will stage massive nuclear drills amid Ukraine standoff

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting on economic issues via videoconference in Moscow on Thursday.

Alexei Nikolsky / Alexei Nikolsky

MOSCOW — The Russian military on Friday announced massive drills of its strategic forces, a stark reminder of the country’s nuclear might amid Western fears that Moscow might be preparing to invade Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry said Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally oversee Saturday’s exercise, which will involve multiple practice launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

The ministry said it planned the maneuvers some time ago to check the readiness of Russia’s military command and personnel, as well as the reliability of its nuclear and conventional weapons.