Probably already mentioned, but Russia moved bombers into Belarus that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. I am not an expert on the type of planes and what other uses they have (I assume they can carry conventional payloads as well), so maybe it it just sensational reporting.
It does seem like overkill for an "exercise" though, not to mention really expensive to be going through all that maneuvering of personnel and equipment.
I still think Putin's main motive is to mad dog NATO and make them flinch so he can convince other countries that they are not an option for security. I doubt all out war with the West is what he wants, but I also don't think he is afraid of it the same way Europe is which gives him a huge psychological advantage.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
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