Russia may intensify nuclear blackmail to disrupt US President's visit to Europe, scheduled for February 20-22

The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reported this.

Russia is launching large-scale exercises of its strategic nuclear forces. It has been confirmed that components of the strategic nuclear forces are preparing to launch sea- and land-based ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles. 

As part of the preparations, the centralized combat control system of the Russian Armed Forces "Monolith" was tested. In particular, the combat control channels were checked; the forces and means of the Strategic Nuclear Forces (SNF) were put on higher levels of combat readiness; the crew of a strategic missile submarine was given a combat order to enter the launch area.

The Russians maintain 24-hour combat readiness of the SNF for use.

Russians also deployed an auxiliary control center for the Long-Range Aviation Command at the Tambov air base.