Putin just now: “Nuclear Russian capabilities at maximum ALERT”

Here's Putin just now ordering Russia's deterrence (nuclear) forces on "a special regime of duty" in response to foreign sanctions. It's a DEFCON situation. pic.twitter.com/Hhmq5ZAMmO

— Kevin Rothrock

⚡️ Putin ordered the Ministry of Defense to transfer the Strategic Missile Forces (this is not only nuclear weapons, but also the Kinzhal and Zircon hypersonic missiles) to a special mode of combat duty. This is the highest form of combat readiness of these troops.

— Mary Ilyushina

Putin puts his nuclear deterrent forces on high alert. This is the kind of moment we’ve feared almost my entire life. And why is he doing it? Because his wholly unnecessary invasion of Ukraine doesn’t seem to be going to plan.

— John Simpson

Putin escalating in unacceptable manner with nuclear high alert – U.S. ambassador to U.N. https://t.co/AtKsrHQL6t pic.twitter.com/MZlKxhgb2f

— Reuters

BREAKING: Putin puts russian nuclear forces in special combat mode over aggressive statements from NATO

— ASB News / MILITARY〽️