*Russia drill simulates "massive nuclear strike" in response to enemy attack, Moscow says*

 Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday launched a massive exercise of the country's nuclear forces featuring missile launches in a simulation of a retaliatory strike, as he continued to flex the country's nuclear muscle amid spiraling tensions with the West over Ukraine.

Speaking in a video call with military leaders, Putin said that the drills would simulate top officials' action in using nuclear weapons and include launches of nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.

Defense Minister Andrei Belousov reported that the exercise is intended to practice "strategic offensive forces launching a massive nuclear strike in response to a nuclear strike by the enemy."