Russia may increase nuclear blackmail to disrupt Biden's visit to Europe – intelligence

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (GUR) said this in a statement, Ukrinform reports.

Thus, according to GUR, ahead of Biden's visit to Europe, Russia is launching large-scale maneuvers of its strategic nuclear forces. As of now, information has been confirmed about preparations of components of the relevant forces for the launch of sea-based and land-based ballistic missiles, as well as air-based cruise missiles.

Among other things, at the Tambov air base, Russians deployed an auxiliary post of the long-range aviation command.

Intelligence officials believe that such actions by the Russian military and political leadership, in particular, are an attempt to disrupt the visit of the U.S. president to Europe through means of direct nuclear blackmail, as well as to weaken international support for Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, U.S. President Joe Biden will visit Poland on February 20-22. Biden is expected to reaffirm the commitment of the United States and other countries to support Ukraine.