Putin says risk of world conflict high, Russia tests N-strike response

'Dirty Bomb' Claim Raises Concerns Of N-Escalation

Russia rehearsed its response to a nuclear attack on Wednesday in an exercise that involved nuclear submarines, strategic bombers, and ballistic missiles at a time when tensions are high over a "dirty bomb" allegation it has made against Ukraine.

Russian President Putin remotely observed the annual exercise, called "Grom" or "Thunder", which uses test launches to put Moscow's nuclear forces through their paces in a show of force designed to deter and intimidate foes. Russian officials said that test launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles had passed off successfully.