STORY: If only from a distance, President Vladimir Putin is there on Wednesday as the Russian nuclear weapons forces hold their maneuvers. These took place against the background of speculation about the use of a so-called dirty bomb by Ukraine. Nuclear submarines and strategic bombers took part in the exercises followed by the head of state, and missiles were also used. The aim of the maneuvers is a possible reaction to a nuclear attack. Putin reiterated claims that Ukraine was planning to use a bomb filled with radioactive material. Evidence was not presented. Ukraine has denied the allegations. According to a report by the RIA news agency, Putin said the risk of a global conflict was high. According to US information, Russia informed Washington of the planned maneuvers on Tuesday. The Western military alliance NATO is currently practicing the use of US nuclear weapons during its own annual maneuvers. Western experts fear that Russia could use so-called tactical nuclear weapons with limited effect in the face of military setbacks in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has warned the government in Moscow that it would be an “incredibly serious mistake”.