Russia Conducts Yars ICBM Drills Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia has announced plans to practice launches of its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system this week amid its ongoing war against Ukraine. The missile system is a three-stage solid fuel missile that carries a payload of three reentry vehicles and penetration aids. The announcement follows President Vladimir Putin's plan to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, which has been a Russian ally since the Ukraine conflict began 13 months ago. The U.S. and other Western nations have supplied Ukraine with significant amounts of military assistance, including long-range missiles, artillery, tanks, and drones, which has allowed the country to resist Russia's forces since the February 2022 invasion.