Russian forces hold drills with nuclear-capable missiles

• The Kremlin subsequently accused the U.S. on Wednesday of "deliberately pouring oil on the fire."

The big picture: The drills involve practicing "intensive maneuvering actions on combat patrol routes" by Russia's so-called Strategic Missile Forces, a branch of Russia's armed forces that is intended to serve as nuclear deterrence against possible aggression, per Interfax.

• About 1,000 military personnel and 100 vehicles took part in the drills in the Ivanovo province.
• The exercises entailed setting up missile systems in their field positions, changing field positions, and organizing combat security and camouflage, Interfax reported.
• While the new missile systems the U.S. is providing Ukraine have a range of about 48 miles, the Yars missiles can be equipped with multiple warheads and have a range of over 6,800 miles.