In a recent military exercise, Russia reportedly rehearsed its ability to deliver a "massive" nuclear strike, according to the Kremlin. The rehearsal involved a response to an enemy nuclear strike, as stated by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. State television aired footage of Shoigu recounting the exercise to President Vladimir Putin.

This development comes in conjunction with Russia's parliament supporting the withdrawal of Moscow's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all physical testing of nuclear warheads. The decision to withdraw Russia's ratification of the treaty was completed on Wednesday. President Putin called for this change to align with the United States, which signed but never ratified the CTBT.

The military exercise conducted this year included practical launches of ballistic and cruise missiles, as mentioned in the Kremlin statement. A Yars intercontinental ballistic missile was fired from a test site in Russia's far-east, while another missile was launched from a nuclear-powered submarine in the Barents Sea. The Russian defence ministry released footage of the tests.

It is worth noting that earlier this month, President Putin claimed that Russia had successfully completed the final test of a nuclear-powered cruise missile. The experimental weapon, announced in 2018, was said to have an unlimited range, although independent verification of Putin's statement is lacking.

This display of force through the military drills coincides with Russia's departure from the international nuclear test ban treaty. The CTBT, first agreed upon in 1996, specifically bans any nuclear weapon test explosions or nuclear explosions worldwide.

The current geopolitical climate is marked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February last year, which raised concerns about the possibility of nuclear war. Additionally, Russia's recent deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus has further amplified tensions in the region. President Putin clarified that these weapons would only be used if Russia's territory or state were threatened.

While there is no indication from the US government that the Kremlin plans to employ nuclear weapons against Ukraine, the timing of Russia's military exercise and its withdrawal from the CTBT undoubtedly heighten concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

In conclusion, Russia's rehearsal of a "massive" nuclear strike and withdrawal from the nuclear test ban treaty are notable developments that underscore the country's ongoing military preparedness and its departure from international agreements. The implications of these actions on regional security are yet to be fully understood.