Russia and the US perform monthly nuclear readiness simulations, with Moscow often holding its own towards the end of October. This year’s drills included “delivering a massive nuclear strike by strategic offensive forces in response to an enemy nuclear strike,” according to Shoigu’s report to Putin. Putin announced earlier this month that Russia has conducted a “final successful test” of a nuclear-powered cruise missile. The experimental weapon, initially unveiled in 2018, was lauded as potentially having an infinite range, but President Putin’s story has yet to be officially confirmed. Is the two nuclear superpowers preparing the world for war ?