The Russian military practiced a massive nuclear strike in response to an enemy nuclear attack, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said, Interfax reported.

"In accordance with the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, the Russian Armed Forces are being trained under your leadership, during which the tasks of a massive nuclear strike by strategic offensive forces in response to an adversary's nuclear attack are practiced," Shoigu said, reporting to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, said that the training involved the Yars missile system of the Strategic Missile Forces, the Tula strategic missile submarine of the Northern Fleet, and two Tu-95MS missile carriers.

According to the Kremlin, President Vladimir Putin held a training session of strategic deterrence forces. He watched the training from the Situation Center.