In a dramatic show of Russia’s military power, Vladimir Putin launched an intercontinental ballistic missile immediately following Donald Trump’s re-election.

In a dramatic display of Russia’s nuclear might, Vladimir Putin launched a powerful intercontinental ballistic missile just after Donald Trump’s re-election. The move, which involved sending the deadly Yars missile to the Kozelsk missile unit in Kaluga, was seen as both a provocative act of defiance and a subtle warning about the potential threat of World War III.

With its six warheads, each boasting more than 100 kilotons of power—six times stronger than the bomb that decimated Hiroshima—the Yars missile is a force to be reckoned with. Capable of striking targets up to 7,500 miles away, this missile can easily reach both the US and Europe, showcasing Russia’s far-reaching nuclear capabilities.

Despite economic setbacks slowing Putin’s war efforts in Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defense recently aired footage of the Yars missile being carefully positioned, signaling that the nation’s military ambitions remain as potent as ever. Traveling at speeds of 19,000 mph, this mobile missile system is a key component of Russia’s ground-based nuclear arsenal, designed to target and destroy Western powers.

Putin’s aggressive actions toward Ukraine have strained relations with NATO, further exacerbating tensions after Trump’s re-election. Some speculated that Moscow may have supported Trump over Kamala Harris, though the Kremlin has yet to offer an official congratulations to the newly re-elected US president.

A spokesperson for Putin made a pointed remark on Wednesday, commenting on US-Russia relations: “Let us not forget that we are talking about an unfriendly country, which is both directly and indirectly involved in a war against our nation,” according to The Mirror.

Some analysts believe that Putin may have used a covert channel to send Trump a congratulatory message, following the missile launch. This show of strength comes on the heels of a significant US military event: the testing of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the test was part of the US’s ongoing effort to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capabilities after Trump’s victory.

The test, conducted on Tuesday night, served to highlight the continued reliability and effectiveness of America’s nuclear deterrent. The Air Force Global Strike Command emphasized that these tests are vital to ensuring that US ICBMs remain secure and effective in addressing modern-day threats.

Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, head of the Air Force Global Strike Command, noted, “These tests show what Striker Airmen can bring to the fight if the president calls them.” He added, “An airborne launch confirms the survivability of our ICBMs, which serve as the strategic backstop of our nation’s defense and the defense of our allies and partners.”

With both Russia and the US flexing their nuclear muscle, the world remains on edge, watching how these powerful nations navigate the high-stakes geopolitical landscape. Will Putin’s missile launch spark further tensions, or will it simply serve as another reminder of the fragile balance of power in today’s global order? Time will tell.

Keywords: Vladimir Putin, nuclear power, Yars missile, World War III, Trump re-election, Russia, NATO, Minuteman III missile test, US nuclear deterrence, hypersonic missile, strategic defense