Putin deploys his strategic nuclear bombers as UN warns world is 'staring into the abyss of WW3'
By SOPHIE CARLIN, T
Vladimir Putin has deployed strategic nuclear bombers as the UN warns the world is 'staring into the abyss of a Third World War' - and the UK prepares to help fortify Nato's eastern front against Russian attack.
The Russian president has launched the Tu-22M3 aircrafts in a renewed show of aggression - which the UN security council warned could escalate into global conflict.
Footage shows Kremlin long-range aviation forces carrying out an air strike on a 'simulated' enemy, with the aim of 'disrupting the control system and destroying critical objects'.
Bastion complexes from the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land, which lies in the Arctic Ocean, struck the target in the Arctic with Onyx missiles as part of a drill.
It comes after Russia flew attack drones into Polish air space earlier this week which it had to shoot down on Tuesday night with the help of its Nato allies.
Poland closed its border with Belarus as the UN security council was warned of the dire risk of a new world war.
Nato was forced to urgently strengthen its eastern defences - efforts the UK will join.
Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte said on Friday military activity under 'Eastern Sentry' would start in the coming days and involve assets from the UK, as well as allies including France and Germany.
The Russian president has launched the Tu-22M3 aircrafts (pictured) in a renewed show of aggression - which the UN security council warned could escalate into global conflict
Footage (pictured) shows Kremlin long-range aviation forces carrying out an air strike on a 'simulated' enemy, with the aim of 'disrupting the control system and destroying critical objects'
Bastion complexes from the Russian archipelago of Franz Josef Land, which lies in the Arctic Ocean, struck the target in the Arctic with Onyx missiles as part of a drill (pictured, another exercise in the Zapad-2025 series of drills)
'In addition to more traditional military capabilities, this effort will also feature elements designed to address the particular challenges associated with the use of drones,' Mr Rutte said.
The operation will bolster Nato's posture and add flexibility to its approach, he said.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: 'The UK is fully committed to playing our part in Nato's Eastern Sentry following the reckless and dangerous airspace violations by Russia.
'We will provide further detail on the UK Armed Forces contribution soon.'
Putin's deployment of nuclear bombers comes as part of its four-day Zapad-2025 exercises - annual drills in the Arctic, Belarus and Russia to test the defensive readiness of the Union State, the alliance between the latter two nations.
They are seen as a challenge to Nato in all three locations.
The war games will also see troops drill the use of nuclear missiles from the West's doorstep in Belarus, Russia's authoritarian neighbour.
It comes as preparations are made for deploying its 'super-weapon', the ballistic missile Oreshnik, in Belarus, which borders Nato alliance states Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, as well as Ukraine.
Putin's deployment of nuclear bombers comes as part of its four-day Zapad-2025 exercises (pictured) - annual drills in the Arctic, Belarus and Russia to test the defensive readiness of the Union State, the alliance between the latter two nations
The war games (pictured) are seen as a challenge to Nato in all three locations
The drills (pictured) will also see troops drill the use of nuclear missiles from the West's doorstep in Belarus, Russia's authoritarian neighbour
The Russian-Belarusian war games (pictured) also saw a dozen warships from Putin's Baltic Sea Fleet engaged in drills with Su-30SM and Su-24M aircraft, and Mi-8 helicopters, against a mock enemy
Do YOU think Putin is bluffing with his bomber deployments?
Comment now
Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk warned if Putin's escalation is not halted, 'tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles falling on Berlin, Paris, or London'.
He continued: 'And the day after, who knows, something might even "accidentally" cross the Atlantic.'
Russia consciously crossed another red line in attacking Poland with drones, he warned: 'Russia is not mocking this council. It is spitting in your face.
'We are staring into the abyss of a Third World War.'
Meanwhile, Putin highlighted his lack of interest in a settlement in the war with his spokesman signalling peace negotiations with Ukraine were now on 'pause'.
The Russian-Belarusian war games also saw a dozen warships from Putin's Baltic Sea Fleet engaged in drills with Su-30SM and Su-24M aircraft, and Mi-8 helicopters, against a mock enemy.
'Combat ships operating within tactical groups will practice their designated tasks - encompassing anti-submarine warfare, air defence, and mine countermeasures - and will also execute missile and artillery strikes against various surface and aerial targets,' said a statement from the Russian defence ministry.
The exercises involved large landing ships, corvettes, small missile and anti-submarine vessels, minesweepers, missile boats, submarines, it was reported.
Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN Andriy Melnyk warned if Putin's escalation is not halted, 'tomorrow it could be drones or even missiles falling on Berlin, Paris, or London'. Pictured: Zapad-2025 war games
Russia flew attack drones into Polish airspace (pictured) earlier this week which it had to shoot down on Tuesday night with the help of its Nato allies
Separately, Russia deployed its Northern Fleet vessels in the Arctic Ocean led by large anti-submarine ship Severomorsk.
In an another separate move, the drills saw Russian tank crews firing from concealed positions at Borisovsky training ground in Belarus.
Poland and allied Nato countries have boosted its forces to around 40,000 close to the border with Belarus due to the Zapad-2025 war games.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Belarus General Staff Pavel Muraveiko warned: 'We are vigilantly monitoring all military activities near our borders and stand ready to counter any provocations that might occur during Zapad-2025.' After a visit by Prince Harry to Ukraine, ex-premier Boris Yeltsin was the latest prominent British figure to offer support to the war-torn nation.
He was seen this week in the city of Odesa with former Conservative deputy chairman and long-time Ukraine supporter Lord Ashcroft and Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko.
Defence Secretary John Healey said earlier this week he had tasked the military with looking at how the UK can help bolster Nato's air defence over Poland.
Until July, six RAF Typhoon jets were operating from Poland as part of Nato's air policing mission - a task shared between the members of the alliance, he said.
Poland closed its border with Belarus as the UN security council was warned of the dire risk of a new world war. Pictured: Polish television channel TV Republika shared this image of one of the downed drones
Read More
Poland sends 40,000 troops to eastern border as Europe moves closer to war with Russia
article image
On Friday, the UK announced a raft of 100 sanctions targeting Moscow's military and energy sectors as Yvette Cooper visited Kyiv for the first overseas visit in her new role as Foreign Secretary.
She said: 'The UK will not stand idly by as Putin continues his barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
'His complete disregard for sovereignty has been shown this week when he recklessly sent drones into Nato airspace.
'International action to increase economic pressure on Russia and to cut off critical cash flows, which he desperately needs to pay for this illegal war, is vital.'
Ms Cooper was later asked if she would push US President Donald Trump to follow suit with sanctions when he comes to the UK for a state visit next week.
'We will, of course, be talking about the economic pressure that we need on Russia,' she told ITV.
'Of course, we will talk about the continued security issues that we have discussed with the US, with other countries over a long period of time, and that partnership, that relationship, is incredibly important.'
Among the companies hit with the UK sanctions are firms which supply Russia with equipment like electronics, chemicals and explosives used to manufacture missiles and other weapons.
They also target 70 ships involved in Putin's 'shadow fleet' operation, responsible for illicitly carrying cargo since the start of the war in Ukraine.
On Sunday, Moscow carried out its largest aerial attack on Ukraine since the war began, an assault that hit a key government building in Kyiv for the first time.
Ms Cooper will visit the damaged building, known as the cabinet of ministers, as well as residential buildings destroyed by Russia's attacks, the Foreign Office said.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings